Development of topical therapeutics for management of onychomycosis and other nail disorders: a pharmaceutical perspective

Abstract

The human nail plate is a formidable barrier to drug permeation. Development of therapeutics for management of nail diseases thus remains a challenge. This article reviews the current knowledge and recent advances in the field of transungual drug delivery and provides guidance on development of topical/ungual therapeutics for management of nail diseases, with special emphasis on management of onychomycosis, the most common nail disease. Selection of drug candidates, drug delivery approaches, and evaluation of formulations are among the topics discussed. A comprehensive mathematical description for transungual permeation is also introduced.

Keywords: Amorolfine; Antifungal; Ciclopirox; Dermatophytes; Efinaconazole; Keratin binding; Luliconazole; Nail hydration; Nail lacquer; Tavaborole; Terbinafine; Transungual; Transungual penetration enhancer.