Development water in oil nanoemulsion of diethylcarbamazine for enhanced the characteristics for lymphatic targeting: A proof of concept study

Abstract

As an antifilariasis drug, oral administration of diethylcarbamazine (DEC) could not effectively deliver the drug to the lymphatic system. Hydrophobic formulation with a particle size of <100 nm could improve the delivery of drug. Accordingly, we developed water in oil nanoemulsion encapsulating DEC. The nanoemulsion was less than 100 nm with negative charge, showing its suitability for lymphatic targeting. The nanoemulsion could sustain the release of DEC and improve the retention in intestinal tissue in comparison with DEC solution. Importantly, this approach did not cause any hemolysis in in vitro study and any irritation in in vivo study.