Optimization of the Micellar-Based In Situ Gelling Systems Posaconazole with Quality by Design (QbD) Approach and Characterization by In Vitro Studies

Background: Fungal ocular infections can cause serious consequences, despite their low incidence. It has been reported that Posaconazole (PSC) is used in the treatment of fungal infections in different ocular tissues by diluting the oral suspension, and successful results were obtained despite low ocular permeation. Therefore, we optimized PSC-loaded ocular micelles and demonstrated that the permeation/penetration of PSC in ocular tissues was enhanced. Methods: The micellar-based in situ gels based on the QbD approach to increase the ocular bioavailability of PSC were developed. Different ratios of Poloxamer 407 and Poloxamer 188 were chosen as CMAs. T(sol/gel), gelling capacity and rheological behavior were chosen as CQA parameters. The data were evaluated by Minitab 18, and the formulations were optimized with the QbD approach. The in vitro release study, ocular toxicity, and anti-fungal activity of the optimized formulation were performed. Results: Optimized in situ gel shows viscoelastic property and becomes gel form at physiological temperatures even when diluted with the tear film. In addition, it has been shown that the formulation had high anti-fungal activity and did not have any ocular toxicity. Conclusions: In our previous studies, PSC-loaded ocular micelles were developed and optimized for the first time in the literature. With this study, the in situ gels of PSC for ocular application were developed and optimized for the first time. The optimized micellar-based in situ gel is a promising drug delivery system that may increase the ocular permeation and bioavailability of PSC.