Transdermal delivery of bisphosphonates using dissolving and hydrogel-forming microarray patches

: potential for enhanced treatment of osteoporosis

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern, worldwide, with over 200 million people living with the disease, in 2023, and over 9 million reported fractures per year, as a result of it. Currently, first-line bisphosphonates are only available as oral preparations, which are associated with adverse effects relating to the esophagus and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Alternative administration routes, such as the transdermal one, may overcome issues relating to the GI tract, whilst still achieving therapeutic efficacy. Microneedle (MN) technology and microarray patches (MAPs) further enhance transdermal delivery by by-passing the stratum corneum and creating microconduits in the skin, allowing for increased levels of drug diffusion and permeation. This thesis focuses on the delivery of alendronic acid (ALN) and risedronate sodium (RDN) via MAPs, for the potential treatment of osteoporosis. Specifically, dissolving and hydrogel-forming MAPs were formulated and characterised accordingly, before subjecting to ex vivo permeation studies. All MAPs investigated, further proved their therapeutic efficacy in vivo, using an osteoporotic rat model.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2026.

Date of Award	Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Ryan Donnelly (Supervisor) & Eneko Larrañeta (Supervisor)