Design and Evaluation of Transdermal Systems: A Review of Emerging Approaches

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS) have garnered significant attention as an alternative to traditional routes of drug administration due to their ability to provide controlled and sustained release of the active ingredient while avoiding the hepatic first-pass effect. Repaglinide a short-acting hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus requires frequent administration due to its low bioavailability and rapid elimination from the body. The present study focuses on the development and optimization of repaglinide-loaded transdermal patches with the aim of enhancing patient adherence to treatment and improving therapeutic efficacy. Utilizing the solvent casting method, various polymers and excipients were employed, and formulation parameters were optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design. The resulting patches were evaluated based on parameters such as tensile strength, moisture content, and moisture uptake. Further enhancement of drug permeation through the skin was achieved through the incorporation of penetration enhancers, such as Transcutol and Labrasol. In vitro release and permeation studies were conducted using Franz diffusion cells, employing both artificial membranes and porcine ear skin. The obtained results indicate that the developed transdermal system is capable of providing sustained drug release and enhanced bioavailability, thereby positioning it as a promising alternative for the delivery of repaglinide.