Combinatorial Therapeutic Drug Delivery of Riboflavin and Olopetadine for the Treatment of Keratoconus Affected Corneas of Mice

The present study deals with the development and evaluation of novel thermoreversible gel containing Riboflavin and Olopatadine for the treatment of Keratoconus. The novel gel was prepared by using polymers like Poloxamer and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) using cold method. The formulated system was evaluated for clarity, appearance, pH, gelling temperature, ex vivo diffusion study, Isotonicity, hemolytic study and effect in keratoconus affected mice model. The results showed that formulated gel was found to be clear and transparent having high gelling capacity. The pH was found between 6.5 to 6.9 and gelation temperature between 34 to 37 degrees C. All formulations were found isotonic and the hemolytic study performed proved the non-hemolytic nature of formulation. Drug content was also within acceptable limit. The F5 formulation was found to be optimized considering all evaluation parameters. F5 formulation showed maximum amount of release (98.5 and 99.6% for Ribo and Olo respectively) within 8 hrs as compare to other formulations. The effect of formulation on keratoconus affected mice showed that matrix can be produced after stimulation of KC cells and the increased thickness can be result of increase number of cells or matrix produced per cell. These results clearly conclude the potential of combinatorial therapeutic drug delivery of riboflavin and olopetadine for the treatment of keratoconus affected corneas of mice.