Development, Optimization and Evaluation of Ritonavir Nanosuspension by Pearl Milling Technology

Abstract

Background: Current days HIV-1 infection in CNS increases. Current antiretroviral treatment does not give cure from HIV-1 completely. Bioavailability is poor by using conventional approaches.

Objective: To prepare and optimize the nanosuspension for nasal route, containing antiretroviral drug ritonavir by pearl milling technology. To develop an effective novel nose to brain formulation which will reaches to brain.

Method:  Ritonavir dispersion was fabricated using zirconium oxide beads and stabilizer.

Result & Conclusion: Optimized batch shows average size 90.4 nm PDI 0.253 respectively. Zeta potential -15.6 mV. The FTIR shows no drug excipient interactions and they are compatible with each other.  DSC peaks are evident that the drug had changed its crystalline structure to amorphous which is clearly evident that the solubility of both the drugs is enhanced due to the reduction in size.  Pearl milling is seen promising to reduce the particle size with suitable stabilizers.