Formulation and Evaluation of Latanoprost Ophthalmic Gel for Enhanced Ocular Bioavailability

One of the main causes of permanent blindness is glaucoma, a chronic eye condition that is mostly linked to high intraocular pressure (IOP). As a prostaglandin F2α analogue, the well-known IOP-lowering drug latanoprost has a limited ocular bioavailability due to its rapid removal from the eye's surface when applied as conventional eye drops. In order to improve precorneal retention time and prolonged medication release, this study aims to create and assess an ocular gel formulation based on latanoprost. The formulation was prepared using Carbopol 940 and HPMC (K15M and E3) as mucoadhesive polymers, propylene glycol for solubility enhancement, and benzalkonium chloride and EDTA as antimicrobial preservatives. Important characteristics such as pH, viscosity, gel strength, osmolality, drug content, and in vitro drug release were assessed for the gel. The medication release profile was evaluated using simulated tear fluid in Franz diffusion cells. Formulations F9 and F10 outperformed the other trial batches in terms of physicochemical properties and achieved 100% release with sustained release over 8 hours. There was no microbiological contamination, according to the sterility test. The outcomes showed that, in comparison to eye drops, the gel formulation offers a more regulated drug delivery profile and successfully extends ocular residence duration. In the treatment of glaucoma, this may result in increased therapeutic effectiveness, decreased dosage frequency, and greater patient compliance.