DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A POLOXAMER- AND CHITOSAN-BASED IN SITU GEL-FORMING INJECTABLE DEPOT

Objective: The present study is intended to investigate the applicability of poloxamer- and chitosan-based temperature induced in situ injectable gelling depot for once a week therapy as an intramuscular injection employing olanzapine as a model drug. Methods: The thermosetting gel was prepared by admixture of a solution of poloxamer P127 and a solution of olanzapine and chitosan in aqueous acetic acid. The resultant formulation was characterized for gelation temperature, gelation time, viscosity, syringeability, pH, drug content, and in vitro drug release. The in vitro release of olanzapine from the gelled depot was followed using USP paddle type II apparatus in conjunction with a dialysis bag. The gel was injected ex vivo into chicken muscle and observed by subsequent dissection. Results: The formulation was designed to have a phase transition temperature of 34°C and gelled in <10 s at 37°C. Addition of chitosan imparted favorable rheological properties to the poloxamer gel and resulted in a pseudoplastic mixture with low viscosity in the sol state and higher viscosity post gelation. The preparation had a pH of 5.4, appropriate drug content and readily passed through a 20 gauge needle. The release of olanzapine was unhindered by the dialysis bag. Following an initial bust, a sustained, zero-order release of the remainder of drug was observed up to 9 days. The injectable was found to form a compact depot when evaluated ex vivo. Conclusion: The developed system showed several features which make it a suitable vehicle for sustained intramuscular delivery of drugs