RETRACTED: Extended ocular delivery of latanoprost from niosome-laden contact lenses: In vitro characterization and in vivo studies

Abstract

Glaucoma affecting the socioeconomic status of patients is currently managed by eye drop solutions, which are highly inefficient due to low ocular bioavailability. Contact lenses can be used to extend the release of ophthalmic drugs. However, the conventional soaking method showed low drug uptake and high burst release, and the optophysical properties of the contact lens were altered for clinical application. In this study, novel latanoprost-loaded niosomes were developed to increase the latanoprost loading capacity of contact lenses while also sustaining ocular drug delivery. Latanoprost-loaded niosomes were prepared by the thin film hydration technique with three levels of cholesterol. The niosome-laden lenses (SM-LT-N-CL) led to improved swelling, transmittance, oxygen permeability and lysozyme adherence of the lens compared to the conventional soaked lens (LT-SM-CL). The in vitro drug release data of LT-SM-CL (up to 24 h) showed high burst release, while SM-LT-N-CL batches showed prolonged release up to 48–96 h. In a rabbit model study, the SM-LT-N-150-CL batch showed a high drug concentration at all time points compared to the LT-SM-CL and eye drop solution. The SM-LT-N-150-CL lens was found to be safe based on histopathological studies. The study demonstrated the successful delivery of latanoprost from a niosome-laden contact lens for an extended period of time without altering the optophysical properties of the contact lens.