Development And Evaluation Of A Heparin Gel For Transdermal Delivery Via Laser-Generated Micropores

Aim: Our study investigated the feasibility of transdermal delivery of heparin, an anticoagulant used against venous thromboembolism, as an alternative to intravenous administration. Materials & methods: Skin was pretreated using ablative laser (Precise Laser Epidermal System [P.L.E.A.S.E.(R)] technology) for enhanced delivery of heparin. In vitro permeation studies using static Franz diffusion cells provided a comparison between delivery from 0.3% w/v heparin-loaded poloxamer gel and solution across untreated and laser-treated dermatomed porcine ear skin. Results: No passive delivery of heparin was observed. Laser-assisted delivery from solution (26.07 +/- 1.82 mu g/cm(2)) was higher (p < 0.05) than delivery from heparin gel (11.28 +/- 5.32 mu g/cm(2)). However, gel is likely to sustain the delivery over prolonged periods like a maintenance dose via continuous intravenous infusion. Conclusion: Thus, ablative laser pretreatment successfully delivered heparin, establishing the feasibility of delivering hydrophilic macromolecules using the transdermal route.