Formulation, Development, and Comparative Study of Azelastine-Loaded Temperature Sensitive In Situ Gelling Micelles for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Purpose The current investigative study was performed to analyze and compare the effect of gellan gum-mixed poloxamer 407 as compared to plain poloxamer 407 on the in situ gelling behavior as well as drug release of the best formulation. Method Azelastine hydrochloride-loaded poloxamer 407 micelles and poloxamer 407 gellan gum micelles were prepared with the help of thin film hydration followed by the characterization of the micelles by evaluating the particle size, entrapment efficiency, pH, and gelation as well as in vitro and in vivo drug release analysis. Result The azelastine hydrochloride poloxamer 407 with gellan gum micelles having a particle size below 100 nm were found to show low gelation temperature which further increases the retention time of the formulation at the site of administration and results in a controlled release formulation. The in vitro drug release showed significant release of 85% and 89% of drug in the 10th hour while the in vivo analysis showed similar effect as that of the marketed formulation of Azelast (TM). Conclusion A controlled release in situ temperature sensitive gel was successfully formulated which showed significant effect to reduce allergic conjunctivitis.