New biological treatments were being developed at a record place, but their potential could be compromised by a significant obstacle: the delivery of these drugs into a body. Pharmaceutical delivery is now nearly as important as product. New systems are being developed, and Drug Delivery Markets Series cover these new systems. Transdermal Delivery System(TDS) is often used as a method of drug dosage into the epidermic skin. An approach used to delivery drugs through the skin for therapeutic use as an alternative to oral, intravascular, subcutaneous and transmucosal routes. Various transdermal drug delivery technologies are described including the use of suitable formulations, carriers and penetration enhancers. The most commonly used transdermal system is the skin patch using various types of technologies. Compared with other methods of dosage, it is possible to use for a long term. It is also possible to stop the drug dosage are stopped if the drug dosage lead to side effect. Polysaccharides, such as karaya gum and glucomannan, were selected as base materials of TDS. Also, these polymers were characterized in terms of enhancers, drug contents. Among these polysaccharide, the permeation rate of karaya gum matrix was fastest in fibric acid(ciprofibrate) such as lipophilic drug in vitro. We used glycerin, PEG400 and PEG800 as enhancers. Since dermis has more water content(hydration) than the stratum corneum, skin permeation rate at steady state was highly influenced when PEG400 was more effective for lipophilic drug. Proper selection of the polymeric materials which resemble and enhance properties of the delivering drug was found to be important in controlling the skin permeation rate. Especially, this result suggests a possible use of polysaccharide gel ointment matrix as a transdermal delivery system of anti-hyperlipoproteinemic agent.

Transdermal therapeutic system(TTS) is often used as the method of drug dosage into the epidermic skin. Natural polymer were selected as ointment material of TTS. We investigated the permeation of natural polymer ointment containing drug in rat skin using horizontal membrane cell model. Permeation properties of materials were investigated for water-soluble drug such as Nicotinic acid N-oxide in vitro. These results showed that skin permeation rate of drug across the composite was mainly dependent on the property of ointment base and drug. Proper selection of the polymeric materials which resemble and enhance properties of the delivering drug was found to be important in controlling the skin permeation rate. This result suggests a possible use of natural polymer ointment base as TTS of antihyperlipoproteinemic agent.

Burns can be caused by fire, chemicals, heated object and fluids. Distinguishing a minor burn from a more serious burn involves determining the degree of damage to the tissues of the body. Algin is known as natural polymer marine plants, we prepared the official burn ointment which is made by Algin. This burn ointment was covered on the skin wound of artificial burned and their effect of healing was investigated by the evaluation of histological and hematological change as a function of time. The result of rats test showed that burn ointments made from Algin was effective in formation of the new tissue and reduction of inflammation.

In this study, we looked at characteristics and properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixed with cement paste. And as a result, brought improvement on strength and durability, discovering the possibility of development of more economical and easily workable injection material.

Demacort® is mixture of betamethasone (high-potency corticosteroid) and clotrimazole (antifungal agent), an inhibitor of CYP3A4, which can inhibit the metabolism of betamethasone. Interaction of these drugs may result in decreased clearance of betamethasone and increased risk for adverse events such as iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. A 26-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to rapid weight gain after application of Demacort®. During a period of one month, she showed weight gain of 30 kg and developed several Cushingoid appearances. The result of an overnight dexamethasone suppression test was negative, thus, endogenous Cushing’s syndrome was ruled out. A negative cortisol response was observed for the rapid ACTH stimulation test; therefore, we made a diagnosis of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome combined with additional secondary adrenal insufficiency.