Effective management of psoriasis through development of solid dispersion loaded transdermal patch of fisetin

Abstract

Abstract newlinePsoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and abnormal differentiation, leading to erythematous and scaly lesions. Despite the availability of numerous therapeutic options, effective long-term management remains challenging due to systemic side effects, poor patient compliance, and limited dermal bioavailability of conventional formulations. Fisetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activities beneficial in psoriasis management; however, its clinical utility is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low skin permeability. newlineTo overcome these limitations, the present study aimed to develop and optimize a solid dispersion-loaded transdermal patch of fisetin for enhanced solubility, sustained release, and improved skin penetration. Solid dispersions were prepared using Soluplus® as a polymeric carrier via solvent evaporation method and characterized for solubility enhancement, drug polymer compatibility, and amorphization behavior. The optimized dispersion was incorporated into a hydrophilic transdermal patch matrix, evaluated for physicochemical parameters, drug content uniformity, tensile strength, and in-vitro release. Ex-vivo permeation studies using rat skin demonstrated a significant increase in fisetin flux and cumulative permeation compared to pure drug. newlineIn-vivo evaluation on imiquimod-induced psoriatic rat model showed marked reduction in erythema, scaling, and epidermal thickness, indicating improved therapeutic efficacy. The formulation provided sustained drug release and enhanced bioavailability, ensuring better patient compliance and reduced dosing frequency. newlineThus, the developed solid dispersion-loaded fisetin transdermal patch presents a promising, affordable, and scalable delivery strategy for the effective long-term management of psoriasis. newlineKeywords: Psoriasis, Fisetin, Solid dispersion, Soluplus®, Transdermal patch, Sustained release, Skin perm