The doctoral dissertation covers the field of research and development of innovative drug delivery systems. These systems enable patient-friendly treatment, particularly relevant in the management of chronic diseases. Among them is atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in the developed world. Complex pathophysiology of AD and limited effectiveness of current therapies call for development of new, improved treatment strategies. A principal role is played by innovative formulation approaches for dermal delivery of classical synthetic drugs and subcutaneous delivery of biological drugs. Within this framework, the dissertation explores potential of innovative lipid based delivery systems. Research focuses on lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs), an attractive platform for dermal and subcutaneous drug delivery. We developed lamellar LCCs for dermal application, based on an innovative multi-target treatment strategy for AD, which has not yet been described. With biomimetic microstructure, LLCs enable prolonged skin hydration, while selected lipids contribute to restoring impaired skin barrier, crucial for breaking the chronic cycle of dry, irritated skin, and enabling comprehensive and causal therapy for AD. LCCs ensure excellent biocompatibility, essential for sensitive atopic skin, and enhance dermal absorption of betamethasone dipropionate, enabling therapeutic effect at lower doses and reducing risk of side effects typical of topical corticosteroids. In parallel, we developed advanced in situ forming cubic/hexagonal LLCs for subcutaneous application of a model peptide drug. These LLCs exhibit suitable rheological properties for injection, allow rapid and convenient in situ phase transition upon contact with aqueous environment, and enable prolonged peptide release, reducing dosing frequency. This classifies them as promising depot systems for subcutaneous delivery of biological drugs. Advantages of newly developed formulations with rationally designed functional properties for dermal and subcutaneous application represent a significant contribution to advanced therapeutic strategies and offer a promising basis for further development of innovative lipid based drug delivery systems.
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