DESIGN, PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MATRIX DIFFUSION-CONTROLLED TRANSDERMAL PATCH OF RASAGILLINE FOR SUSTAINED ANTI-PARKINSON’S THERAPY

Authors

  • AHMED A. MOHAMED Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ahram Canadian University, Giza Governorate-3222401, Egypt
  • MOHAMED A. ABDEL SALAM Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ahram Canadian University, Giza Governorate-3222401, Egypt
  • DALIA A. GABER Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ahram Canadian University, Giza Governorate-3222401, Egypt. Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1129-1021
  • EMAN AL-JOHANI Clinical Pharmacy Program, College of Health Sciences, Al-Rayan National College, Madina, Saudi Arabia
  • SIHAM ABDOUN Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Qassim-51452, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2026v18i2.56843

Keywords:

Rasagiline, Transdermal patch, Diffusion control, Permeation enhancer, Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to design and evaluate diffusion-controlled transdermal patches of rasagiline for sustained management of Parkinson’s disease.

Methods: Matrix patches were prepared using the selected copolymers with 30% w/w dibutyl phthalate as plasticizer. Patches were evaluated for mechanical, physicochemical, and permeability characteristics. Drug–polymer compatibility was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Various permeation enhancers (isopropyl myristate [IPM], eucalyptus oil, Span® 80, Tween® 20, and limonene) were incorporated at 2–10% w/w, and their effects were assessed through in vitro and ex vivo studies using Franz diffusion cells.

Results: All rasagiline patches exhibited smooth surfaces, flexibility, and uniform thickness. FTIR and DSC confirmed absence of drug–excipient interactions. The optimized RL: RS (7:3) formulation achieved a sustained 92.3% cumulative drug release after 24 h, following Higuchi diffusion kinetics. Among all enhancers, IPM (10% w/w) produced the highest improvement, yielding a 5.4-fold increase in skin flux (53.7 µg/cm²·h) compared to control, and a total permeation of 1,342.9 µg/cm² after 24 h.

Conclusion: The optimized rasagiline patch composed of Eudragit® RL: RS (7:3) and 10% IPM achieved controlled drug release and significantly enhanced transdermal permeation. This system demonstrates strong potential for improving rasagiline bioavailability and patient compliance in Parkinson’s disease therapy.

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Published

07-03-2026

How to Cite

MOHAMED, A. A., ABDEL SALAM, M. A., GABER, D. A., AL-JOHANI, E., & ABDOUN, S. (2026). DESIGN, PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MATRIX DIFFUSION-CONTROLLED TRANSDERMAL PATCH OF RASAGILLINE FOR SUSTAINED ANTI-PARKINSON’S THERAPY. International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, 18(2), 190–199. https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2026v18i2.56843

Issue

Vol 18, Issue 2 (Mar-Apr), 2026

Section

Original Article(s)

Copyright (c) 2026 AHMED A. MOHAMED, MOHAMED A. ABDEL SALAM, DALIA A. GABER, EMAN AL-JOHANI, SIHAM ABDOUN

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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