The Novel Excipient, Dodecyl-2-N, N-dimethylaminopropionate Hydrochloride (DDAIP-HCl) Improves the Flux of Minoxidil in Human Skin

Transdermal delivery of topically applied compounds is limited by the stratum corneum (SC) protective barrier. Penetration enhancers have been employed to perturb the skin barrier and enhance the transdermal flux of drugs. The novel excipient, dodecyl-2-N, N-dimethylaminopropionate hydrochloride (DDAIP-HCl), was evaluated for penetration activity of minoxidil in human cadaver skin. Minoxidil skin flux through human cadaver skin mounted on Franz cells was investigated with and without the presence of DDAIP-HCl. Enhanced minoxidil permeation levels were observed with DDAIP-HCl at concentrations of 0.05% and 0.5% through human cadaver skin relative to the formulation of the marketed hair loss product Rogaine® (5% minoxidil) over a 24-hour period. Increased minoxidil penetration may lead to a better efficacy and clinical response in the treatment of male pattern hair loss or Androgenetic alopecia.