Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Arthritis Drug Loaded Stealth Liposomes

The objective of present work is to formulate and evaluate the stealth liposomes of Ketoprofen using thin film hydration method. Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that causes inflammation in one or more joints. The commonly recommended NSAID for the relief of pain and inflammation in arthritis is Ketoprofen. One of the main side effects of Ketoprofen is gastric irritation and ulceration. Ketoprofen was formulated as liposomes using Soya lecithin and Cholesterol by thin film hydration technique. For sustained release and for prolonging the pain relief, liposomes of Ketoprofen was finally formulated as stealth liposomes by coating with PEG 4000. The formulated liposomes and stealth liposomes were evaluated for various parameters like surface morphology, zeta potential, poly dispersity index, drug content, % drug encapsulation and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation (F2) containing minimum concentration of cholesterol showed moderate stability and good entrapment efficiency. The stealth liposomes showed more stability and sustained drug release for 24hr compared to conventional liposomes. The kinetic data analysis of formulations indicated that it fits to Higuchi model and follows zero order release kinetics. The mechanism of drug release from the film followed Anomalous (non-fickian) transport. These findings suggest that the stealth liposomes will be potentially useful for the treatment of arthritis safely and effectively.