Tunable Intranasal Polymersome Nanocarriers Triggered Olanzapine Brain Delivery and Improved In Vivo Antipsychotic Activity
<b>Background</b>: Olanzapine (Ola) is a second-generation antipsychotic with clinical utility limited by poor brain bioavailability due to blood–brain barrier restriction, hepatic first-pass metabolism, and systemic side effects. This study aimed to develop and optimize a novel intranas...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceutics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/7/811 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: Olanzapine (Ola) is a second-generation antipsychotic with clinical utility limited by poor brain bioavailability due to blood–brain barrier restriction, hepatic first-pass metabolism, and systemic side effects. This study aimed to develop and optimize a novel intranasal polymersome-based nanocarrier (Poly<sub>Ola</sub>) to enhance brain targeting, therapeutic efficacy, and safety of Ola. <b>Methods</b>: Poly<sub>Ola</sub> was prepared using poloxamer 401 and optimized through a Box–Behnken Design to minimize particle size and maximize entrapment (EE%) and loading efficiency (LE%). The formulation was characterized by size, morphology, drug release, and serum stability. In vivo studies in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats assessed pharmacokinetics (plasma and brain concentrations), pharmacodynamic efficacy in a ketamine-induced schizophrenia model, and systemic safety markers including metabolic, hepatic, and testicular oxidative stress indicators. <b>Results</b>: Optimized Poly<sub>Ola</sub> exhibited a particle size of 78.3 ± 4.5 nm, high EE% (91.36 ± 3.55%), and sustained in vitro drug release. It remained stable in serum for 24 h. Intranasal administration significantly improved brain delivery of Ola, achieving a 2.7-fold increase in C<sub>max</sub> and a 5.7-fold increase in AUC compared to oral dosing. The brain T<sub>max</sub> was 15 min, with high drug-targeting efficiency (DTE% = 365.38%), confirming efficient nose-to-brain transport. Poly<sub>Ola</sub>-treated rats showed superior antipsychotic performance, reduced extrapyramidal symptoms, and improved systemic safety evidenced by mitigated weight gain, glycemic control, normalized liver enzymes, and reduced oxidative stress. <b>Conclusions</b>: Poly<sub>Ola</sub> offers a safe and effective intranasal delivery platform for Ola, enabling targeted brain delivery and improved management of schizophrenia with reduced peripheral toxicity. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4923 |