Lipid-Based Formulation of Baricitinib for the Topical Treatment of Psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Baricitinib, commonly used for autoimmune diseases, is typically administered orally, which can lead to systemic adverse effects. A topical formulation could potentially offer localized therapeutic effects while minimizing these side effects.

OBJECTIVES

This study focuses on developing a lipid-based topical formulation of baricitinib (BCT-OS) for treating psoriasis.

METHODS

The optimized formulation was then assessed for physical, chemical, and biopharmaceutical characterization. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the formulation was tested in a model of psoriasis induced by imiquimod in mice, and its tolerance was determined by the evaluation of biomechanical skin properties and an inflammation test model induced by xylol in mice.

RESULTS

BCT-OS presented appropriate characteristics for skin administration in terms of pH, rheology, extensibility, and stability. The formulation also demonstrated a notable reduction in skin inflammation in the mouse model, and high tolerability without affecting the skin integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

BCT-OS shows promise as an alternative treatment for psoriasis, offering localized therapeutic benefits with a potentially improved safety profile compared to systemic administration.