NOVEL PLURONIC LECITHIN ORGANOGEL SYSTEM FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF LEFLUNOMIDE IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent joint inflammation, pain, and progressive disability. Conventional oral administration of leflunomide, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), is associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, hepatic toxicity, and variable bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, the present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a leflunomide-loaded pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) for transdermal delivery. The organogel was prepared by incorporating leflunomide into a pluronic-lecithin system, optimized for drug loading, spreadability, viscosity, and stability. Physicochemical characterization, pH determination, and in vitro drug release studies were performed, along with ex vivo permeation across rat skin. The prepared PLO gel exhibited satisfactory physicochemical properties, sustained release behavior, and enhanced drug permeation compared to conventional formulations. Stability testing confirmed minimal drug degradation and acceptable storage characteristics. The findings suggest that PLO-based leflunomide gel has the potential to bypass first-pass metabolism, reduce systemic toxicity, and provide a more targeted therapeutic effect in rheumatoid arthritis management.