Rifampicin
microsphere for pulmonary administration
Project
Summary
The
aim of the project is to develop rifampicin microphere
preparations using biodegradable polymers and evaluate
physicochemical charateristics of the preparations.
Tuberculosis is a leading lung disease caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. It is considered the foremost cause of
death due to a single microorganism. Rifampicin in
combination with other antimicrobials represents the
mainstay of effective tuberculosis therapy. Current
treatments of tuberculosis are limited by their methods of
delivery. Conventional oral administration cannot maintain
an effective inhibitory concentration for a long period and Mycobacterium
tuberculosis are liable to develop drug resistance under
such conditions. The administration of rifampicin above the
currently recommended dose would increase the risk of toxic
side effects since rifampicin is already at its maximum
tolerated dose for systemic exposure.Formulating rifampicin in biodegradable polymers e.g.
poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as microsphere with a
sustained release for administration directly to the lungs
is being investigated with view to overcoming these
problems. Targetting rifampicin delivery to the lungs may
increase its antimicrobial efficacy and reduces systemic
side effects.
