Objective: To prepare everolimus nanoformulations and increase their solubility to suit their application in the eye. Methods: The everolimus micelles was prepared by thin film dispersion method using Tween-80 (P80) and polyoxyethylene stearate (P40S) as carriers. In addition, the everolimus nanosuspension was prepared by injection method using poloxamer 407 (P407), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as stabilizers. It was characterized in terms of particle size, PDI and encapsulation efficiency or drug loading. The in vitro release and in vitro rabbit scleral permeability characteristics were investigated, and the pharmacokinetics of anterior chamber drug in rabbit eyes were studied. Results: The average particle size of the micelles was (8.74 ± 0.21) nm, the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were (90.12 ± 1.18)% and (2.14 ± 0.028)%, while the average particle size of the nanosuspension was (156.47 ± 1.10) nm, and the drug loading was (16.51 ± 0.21)%, respectively. Both in vitro release and rabbit scleral permeation models were consistent with the Higuchi equation. The pharmacokinetic experiments of aqueous humor showed that area under the curve of everolimus nanosuspension was about 3 times higher than that of micelles. Micelles could be achieved in the eye and maintained for a long time. Conclusion: The preparation of everolimus micelles or nanosuspension for eye are suitable for ocular administration and expected to be new dosage form for corneal transplantation immunological rejection or other ocular disease.
Keywords: Everolimus; micelles; nanosuspension; pharmacokinetics.