Purpose: This investigation was aimed to explore the targeting potential of folate conjugated double liposomes (fDLs) bearing combination of synergistic drugs (Prednisolone and Methotrexate) for effective management of the rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: To overcome the drawbacks of monotherapy, a combination of prednisolone (PRD) (an anti-inflammatory agent) and methotrexate (MTX) (a disease modifying anti-rheumatoid agent, DMARDs) was chosen for dual targeting approach. fDLs were prepared in two steps i.e. development of inner liposomes (ILs) using thin film casting method followed by encapsulation of ILs within folate conjugated outer liposomes (double liposomes; fDLs). Developed liposomes were characterized for various physicochemical parameters and in vivo performance.
Results: fDLs were prepared using FA-PEG-4000-NH-DSPE conjugate. These double liposomes were having 429.3 ± 3.6 nm in size with 0.109 PDI, 8.01 ± 0.3 mV zeta potential (ζ) and 66.7 ± 3.9% and 45.3 ± 1.7% entrapments of PRD and MTX, respectively. After 24 h, the concentrations of PRD in blood were observed to be 8.66 ± 3.11 (ILs) and 15.13 ± 0.81% (DLs) while concentration of MTX were found to be 10.89 ± 0.69 and 2.34 ± 3.15% when given as ILs and fDLs, respectively. The concentration of both drugs in inflamed joint was observed to be higher than that in the non-inflamed joints.
Conclusions: The folate conjugated double liposomes possess superior targeting efficiency than conjugated and unconjugated single liposomes.
Keywords: folate; inflammation; liposomes; methotrexate, prednisolone; rheumatoid arthritis.