Development, evaluation, and optimization of flurbiprofen nanoemulsions gel using quality by design concept

Abstract

The objective of this study was to formulate topical gel loaded nanoemulsions containing flurbiprofen using volatile oil. The gel released the drug at a controlled rate to the targeted site. Flurbiprofen (log P = 4.09) in generally used for transdermal treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Selection of the oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant was done by individual screening method with the aid of pseudo-ternary phase study. International Conference on Harmonisation Q8 guidelines was applied using 3 2 factorial designs coupled with response surface methodology. The formulations were prepared by using spontaneous emulsification method. The selected formulation from various statistical and other studies was investigated. It was found that selected formulation showed an optimum in-vitro data. Later the optimized formulation obtained within the tentative design space was incorporated in the gel and compared with the marketed formulation. The result suggested the optimized formulation with good potential for transdermal delivery of the drug than the marketed formulations