Topical composition comprising a film-forming polymer for delivering an active ingredient to skin

Abstract

A film-forming pharmaceutical composition for dermal application comprises at least one therapeutically active ingredient dissolved in a volatile solvent, the composition further comprising a film-forming polymer, a plasticizer and an oily release-enhancing agent. The composition is capable of forming, after application on skin and evaporation of the solvent, a continuous phase comprising the film-forming polymer and the plasticizer and a dispersed phase comprising droplets of the oily release-enhancing agent.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for application on skin and containing a film-forming polymer and at least one active ingredient, the composition forming a thin and transparent two-phase film on the skin on evaporation of a solvent.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Human skin, in particular the outer layer, the stratum corneum, provides an effective barrier against penetration of microbial pathogens and toxic chemicals. While this property of skin is generally beneficial, it complicates the dermal administration of pharmaceuticals in that a large quantity, if not most, of an active ingredient applied on the skin of a patient suffering from a dermal disease may not penetrate into the viable layers of the skin where it exerts its activity. To ensure an adequate penetration of the active ingredient into the dermis and epidermis, it is generally preferred to include the active ingredient in a dissolved state, typically in the presence...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent text discusses the discovery that an oily substance in a film-forming composition helps to release oil from the composition. This is likely because the oily substance forms small oil droplets in the film as it evaporates. By doing this, the film-forming composition is able to provide longer-lasting, continuous release of the oil. The oily substance also acts as a moisturizer for the skin, improving its hydration and controlling how much water escapes from it. This makes the film-forming composition more effective at keeping the skin hydrated and preventing it from losing water.

Problems solved by technology

Film-forming compositions disclosed in the literature suffer from the drawback that only a minor proportion of the active ingredient incorporated therein is released from the composition.

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