A novel approach for follicular delivery of minoxidil for treatment of alopecia

The recent strategy uses a distinct approach to modify diffusional barrier of the hair and utilising the pharmaceutical benefits of microemulsion to facilitate follicular permeability of Minoxidil. Various attempts were made to optimise pre-treatment and post treatment conditions, which cause the hair follicles to swell up and shrink using conventional reagents. Microemulsions prepared with oleic acid, PEG 600 and span 20 using pseudo ternary diagrams. Optimised microemulsion for topical delivery (globule size- 41.0 nm; zeta potential- +28.22 mV; transmittance- 98.1%) was considered for drug delivery. In-vitro release of 68.5% after 24 hrs was observed and ex-vivo studies showed 67.5% drug retention inside hair shaft. Prepared formulation significantly altered the follicular response in 5-Fluorouracil induced alopecia model. It opens a new avenue for delivery of drugs via transfollicular route in the treatment of follicular diseases.