Purpose Rosacea is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder with an unclear cause, making effective treatment challenging. Ivermectin has demonstrated superior therapeutic benefits compared to traditional treatments. This study aimed to develop and optimize an ivermectin-loaded niosomal gel to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy for rosacea treatment. Methods Niosomes were formulated using the ether injection method, and a 32 full factorial design was applied to optimize key formulation variables: surfactant concentration and stirring speed. The optimized batch (F-9) contained 0.20 mL Tween-80 and was stirred at 550 RPM, resulting in a particle size of 165.7 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 90.1%. This optimized niosomal formulation was incorporated into a 1% Carbopol 940 gel. The final gel formulation was evaluated for pH, viscosity, and in vitro drug release in comparison to a commercially available ivermectin product. Results The ivermectin niosomal gel exhibited enhanced drug release, higher stability, and improved drug entrapment compared to conventional formulations. The optimized formulation demonstrated controlled and sustained drug release, suggesting its potential as an effective alternative for rosacea management. Conclusions The developed ivermectin niosomal gel offers an innovative and promising drug delivery approach for rosacea treatment. Its improved drug stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential make it a strong candidate for future clinical applications. Clinical Trial Number Not applicable. Lay Summary Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels on the face, making treatment difficult. Ivermectin has been found to be more effective than conventional therapies in managing rosacea symptoms. To enhance its effectiveness, we developed a special gel formulation using niosome carriers that help improve drug delivery and absorption. Our study optimized the formulation to ensure better drug penetration and stability. The final ivermectin niosomal gel showed improved drug release compared to currently available treatments, making it a promising option for better rosacea management.  Graphical Abstract

Formulation and Characterization of Niosomal Carrier–Based Ivermectin Gel for Rosacea Therapy

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年10月2日

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Hetvi Patel,
Rupalben Jani,
Soniya Yadav,
Pooja Dave,
Kiran Dudhat

摘要

Purpose

Rosacea is a persistent inflammatory skin disorder with an unclear cause, making effective treatment challenging. Ivermectin has demonstrated superior therapeutic benefits compared to traditional treatments. This study aimed to develop and optimize an ivermectin-loaded niosomal gel to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy for rosacea treatment.

Methods

Niosomes were formulated using the ether injection method, and a 3² full factorial design was applied to optimize key formulation variables: surfactant concentration and stirring speed. The optimized batch (F-9) contained 0.20 mL Tween-80 and was stirred at 550 RPM, resulting in a particle size of 165.7 nm and an entrapment efficiency of 90.1%. This optimized niosomal formulation was incorporated into a 1% Carbopol 940 gel. The final gel formulation was evaluated for pH, viscosity, and in vitro drug release in comparison to a commercially available ivermectin product.

Results

The ivermectin niosomal gel exhibited enhanced drug release, higher stability, and improved drug entrapment compared to conventional formulations. The optimized formulation demonstrated controlled and sustained drug release, suggesting its potential as an effective alternative for rosacea management.

Conclusions

The developed ivermectin niosomal gel offers an innovative and promising drug delivery approach for rosacea treatment. Its improved drug stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic potential make it a strong candidate for future clinical applications.

Clinical Trial Number

Not applicable.

Lay Summary

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, inflammation, and visible blood vessels on the face, making treatment difficult. Ivermectin has been found to be more effective than conventional therapies in managing rosacea symptoms. To enhance its effectiveness, we developed a special gel formulation using niosome carriers that help improve drug delivery and absorption. Our study optimized the formulation to ensure better drug penetration and stability. The final ivermectin niosomal gel showed improved drug release compared to currently available treatments, making it a promising option for better rosacea management.

Graphical Abstract