Transdermal Formulation Pharmacokinetic Study

Pharmacokinetics plays a vital role in understanding how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. It is essential for optimizing drug design and improving therapeutic efficacy. At CD Formulation, we have established a state-of-the-art pharmacokinetics research center dedicated to transdermal formulations. Our team comprises interdisciplinary experts and scientific leaders who utilize advanced experimental methods and big data analytics to explore the behavior of transdermal formulations in biological systems. We provide transdermal formulation pharmacokinetic study, offering innovative R&D services for pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

About Transdermal Formulation

The technical advantages of patches make transdermal drug delivery more and more important, and gradually become the third major drug delivery route after injection and oral administration. However, transdermal drug delivery has limitations. These limitations restrict its market space. One limitation is that the drug effect is slow. It usually takes several hours for the drug to take effect. Another limitation is that many drugs fail to reach effective therapeutic concentrations. In addition, some drugs that are irritating and allergic to the skin themselves should not be designed as transdermal drug delivery formulations.

Fig.1 Advantages and limitations of transdermal formulations. (CD Formulation)

Absorption Properties of Transdermal Formulations

The skin has both chemical and physical barriers. Looking at its layers from outside to inside, we find the epidermal layer, which has the stratum corneum and active epidermis. Below that is the dermis, and then the subcutaneous layer. There are three main methods for drugs to infiltrate the body:

Fig.2 (a) Schematic representation of anatomical structure of the human skin. (b) Routes of percutaneous absorption. (André Luís Morais Ruela, et al. 2016)

• Transcellular pathway: Through the keratinocyte through the transcellular pathway and into the skin. Keratinocytes containing highly hydrated keratin provide a hydrophilic environment that facilitates the passage of hydrophilic drugs.
• Intercellular pathway: Diffusion is mainly through the intercellular lipid matrix. This path is generally considered to be the most common route for small, uncharged drugs to pass through the skin.
• It is absorbed through skin appendages.

Percutaneous absorption of drugs mainly depends on the first two pathways, that is, drugs must pass through the stratum corneum before they can be absorbed to reach the target site. However, among all skin layers, the cuticle barrier effect is the strongest, in which the brick wall structure composed of cuticle cells and intercellular lipids blocks the transdermal absorption of drugs, directly or indirectly leading to the low bioavailability of these drugs.

Our Pharmacokinetic Solutions for Transdermal Formulations

In vitro release test (IVRT) and in vitro permeation test (IVPT)

The in vitro experiment is the transdermal process of the artificial membrane or in vitro skin simulation formulation under physiological conditions. By studying the release, transmission amount, and rate of the active ingredients in the external formulation, the clinical effectiveness of the formulation can be reflected to a certain extent, and it is beneficial to investigate the specific influencing factors of drug transdermal absorption. The diffusion cell method is used in the in vitro permeation test.

Fig.3 Vertical diffusion cell. (André Luís Morais Ruela, et al.2016)

In vivo absorption and skin tissue distribution test

We offer skin dosing for large and small animals (mice, rats miniature pigs, etc.), including formulation types such as gels, creams, patches, nanoparticles, and microneedles.

Animal Model Construction

According to the mechanism of drug action, we select the animal disease model of corresponding pathogenesis. CD Formulation provides breeding and modeling services for animals ranging from ordinary rats to immunocompromised mice.

Our Pharmacokinetic Analysis

CD Formulation specializes in preclinical pharmacokinetic analysis. Our pharmacokinetic analysis included the following:

Why Choose CD Formulation?

• Professional equipment and instruments: We have advanced transdermal absorption experimental equipment. This includes a diffusion cell system, HPLC, and MS. These tools can accurately measure drug permeability and pharmacokinetic parameters in the skin.
• Standardization of experimental methods: We use standardized experimental methods. The Franz diffusion cell method is our industry gold standard for in vitro transdermal experiments. It can simulate the penetration process of drugs on human skin, providing reliable data support.
• Multi-species models: We have various experimental animal models, including rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and miniature pigs. These animals have good similarities to human skin in anatomical structure and physiological state. They help us predict drug behavior in the human body more accurately.

Publication Data

Through comprehensive pharmacokinetic studies, CD Formulation accurately simulates drug penetration across skin layers and systemic distribution. Our services include evaluating the effects of various formulations and excipients on drug release rates and bioavailability. These precise evaluations enhance drug efficacy and safety while minimizing potential side effects. For tailored solutions to your research needs, contact us, and our team will respond within three business days to assist you.

How It Works

STEP 1

Submit a service request describing your specific research or development need.

STEP 2

We'll email you to provide your quote and confirm order details if applicable.

STEP 3

Execute the project with real-time communication, and deliver the final report promptly.