Tofacitinib Citrate-Loaded Topical Gel for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Formulation and In-vitro-In-vivo Characterization.

Abstract

This study aims to create and assess the anti-arthritic activity of tofacitinib citrate (TC) as a topical gel formulation. Using the gelling agent Carbopol 980 P, seven gel formulations were formed. The gel formulations were assessed for pH, drug content, spreadability, homogeneity, and in-vitro diffusion profile. Out of all the formulations, G7 exhibited superior release characteristics (99.1%) in comparison to the other formulations. The DSC research revealed a strong endothermal peak at 214.17°C and demonstrated an interaction with the excipients taken into consideration in this investigation. While carrying out the in-vivo study, formulation G7 successfully reduced inflammation induced by CFA. Ultimately, the optimal formulation for the “G7” can be determined & successfully treats inflammation associated with arthritis. As per stability studies, it was specified that there are no such major changes in the long-term and accelerated stability testing study.