Formulation and Evaluation of Febuxostat Nanoparticles

Drug delivery via nanoparticle-based carriers has shown promising results for different types of diseases. Delivery of anti-gout agents into body is a mature line of investigation that has yet to realize its full potential. In this study we report on the development of a delivery platform for febuxostat. The work presented here describes the development of nanoparticles based on compritol. The method employed for the preparation of SLN is micro emulsification technique followed by high pressure homogenization. Phase diagram was developed to know the region of stable micro emulsion formation. Eight different formulas were developed with different concentrations of lipid, surfactant and aqueous concentrations. The developed formulations were evaluated for particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, DSC thermal analysis and in vitro drug release studies. Among all the formulations developed, F3 formulation is showing better drug entrapment efficiency and controlled release of drug up to 24h. There was 12 fold increase in the solubility of drug in the developed formulation. The solid lipid nanoparticles of febuxostat can be prepared by using simple micro emulsification technique. The formulations had shown better release profile and solubility characteristics.