Spanlastics loaded film forming spray for enhanced topical delivery of mometasone furoate: Smart therapy for treatment of eczema

Objectives This study aimed to develop and evaluate mometasone furoate spanlastics-loaded film-forming spray (MF-SPL-FFS) for improved dermal delivery and skin retention for the treatment of eczema. Methods Spanlastics were synthesized via the thin film hydration method, optimized and characterized before in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evaluation. The optimized formulation was evaluated for particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. FTIR, XRD, and FE-SEM analyses were performed to evaluate drug-excipient compatibility, drug entrapment, and morphological characteristics, respectively. In vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the performance, safety, and efficacy of the formulation. Results The optimized nanoparticles revealed a favorable particle size (323.3 ± 4.2 nm), PDI (0.360 ± 0.0015), zeta potential (-27.6 ± 1.8 mV), and entrapment efficiency (83.65 ± 1.9%). FTIR revealed drug-excipient compatibility, XRD confirmed complete entrapment of the drug, and FE-SEM confirmed their spherical morphology. In vitro release studies recorded sustained release of MF-SPL exhibiting 86.46 ± 0.408% release over 24 h, and the ex vivo permeation studies exhibited favorable dermal permeation. The in vivo model confirmed the safety and enhanced efficacy of the formulation compared to the marketed formulation, showing improved healing and reduced inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α). Conclusions Outcome revealed significantly enhanced skin retention and anti-inflammatory potential of the formulation in eczema, indicating the potential of MF-SPL-FFS as an effective approach for improved topical delivery of mometasone furoate.