Design and Characterization of Ocular Inserts Loaded with Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Inflammatory Ophthalmic Disease

Abstract

The short precorneal residence time of ophthalmic drops is associated with their low absorption; therefore, the development of ocular inserts capable of prolonging and controlling the ophthalmic release of drugs is an interesting option in the design and development of these drugs. A surface response design was developed, specifically the Central Composite Design (CCD), to produce ophthalmic films loaded with Dexamethasone (DEX) by the solvent evaporation method having experimental levels of different concentrations of previously selected polymers (PVP K-30 and Eudragit RS100.). Once optimization of the formulation was obtained, the in vivo test was continued. The optimal formulation obtained a thickness of 0.265 ± 0.095 mm, pH of 7.11 ± 0.04, tensile strength of 15.50 ± 3.94 gF, humidity (%) of 22.54 ± 1.7, mucoadhesion strength of 16.89 ± 3.46 gF, chemical content (%) of 98.19 ± 1.124, release of (%) 13,510.71, and swelling of 0.0403 ± 0.023 g; furthermore, in the in vivo testing the number and residence time of PMN cells were lower compared to the Ophthalmic Drops. The present study confirms the potential use of polymeric systems using PVPK30 and ERS100 as a new strategy of controlled release of ophthalmic drugs by controlling and prolonging the release of DEX at the affected site by decreasing the systemic effects of the drug.