ENHANCEMENT OF FINASTERIDE AQUEOUS SOLUBILITY BY NANOSUSPENSION OPTIMIZATION DESIGN

In this study, an attempt was conducted to enhance finasteride aqueous solubility by preparing drug nanosuspension. The formulation of this drug delivery system was developed by bottom-up technology using the optimization technique. We explored the effect of four formulation and processing variables that affect the particle size of the prepared formulation. Solubility study of the optimized finasteride nanoparticles was evaluated. The results revealed that solvent ratio (X2), homogenization speed (X3), and stabilizer concentration (X1) had a significant effect on the particle size. The interaction effect of X1X4, X2X4, X3X4, and X22 also significantly affects the particle size. The prepared nanoparticles enhanced the aqueous drug solubility by more than 2.5 folds compared to the drug alone. Finally, it could be concluded that nanosuspension is a successful technique in enhancing the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs with a possible impact on the drug bioavailability. Key wards: Nanosuspension, aqueous solubility, finasteride, optimizatio