FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE SERUM WITH DERMA STAMP ASSISTED DELIVERY FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA

Shreeya Mahendrakumar Patel*, Rehan Siraj Sharif, Singh Bulbul Bhagwanjee, Singh Madhu Radheshyam, Singh Mihir Anuj, Shetal B. Desai

Alopecia areata is a long-term autoimmune condition that results in non-scarring hair loss due to immune-related damage to hair follicles. Traditional treatments, such as injections of intralesional corticosteroids, are often hindered by factors like pain, low patient adherence, and the possibility of localized skin thinning. This research aimed to create a new, low-viscosity triamcinolone acetonide serum used with a derma stamp microneedling device to improve therapeutic effectiveness by enabling targeted delivery to hair follicles. The serum was developed through a co-solvency method utilizing propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to achieve optimal drug solubility and a lightweight texture. Excellent spreadability is ensured by the formulation's skin-compatible pH (5.2–5.8) and viscosity range of 120.4 to 124.8 centipoise, which were verified by physicochemical analyses over a 30-day period. FTIR analyses verified the drug's compatibility with the excipients. HET-CAM and skin irritation testing verified the formulation's safety, while in vitro permeation investigations guaranteed the drug release is maintained. The medicine can efficiently reach deeper hair follicle structures because to the derma stamp's creation of microchannels that help get beyond the stratum corneum barrier. All things considered, this combined technique offers a better therapeutic potential for treating alopecia areata in a less invasive, targeted, and patient-friendly manner.