ABSTRACT
In 1965, the first lipid-based vesicular systems were described which called as liposomes and started from biophysics to paved new applications as drug delivery systems. Conventional topical medication in skin diseases is more effective and has lesser side effects than the systemic application. Yet, physicochemical properties of drugs and skin anatomy particularly the stratum corneum (SC) are the major barrier in the effective topical pharmacotherapy. Exploiting of the fact that beneath the SC and epidermis of the skin is composed lipids and lipoproteins. Strategies to overcome the limitations, several enhancement strategies have been made including penetration enhancer, iontophoresis, electroporation, supersaturated solutions, and novel drug delivery systems. The emergence of Liposomal systems produces a several-fold higher therapeutic concentration in the various layers of skin and lower systemic concentrations as compared to conventional dosage forms and has improved topical drug delivery in the realm of dermatology. Over the last 5-decade umpteen research papers on liposomal topical drug delivery has been published and technical advances such as remote drug loading, extrusion, etc., enhance the encapsulation of therapeutic molecules.
Furthermore, developments lead to more advanced liposomes such as stealth liposome, stimuli-responsive liposome, cationic liposome and immuno-liposomes investigated for the topical disease. These advances have led to many clinical trials in various areas as topical delivery for psoriasis, skin cancer, acne, atopic dermatitis (AD), antifungal, and anti-inflammatory drugs. A number of liposomal formulations are on the market, and many are under clinical trial, and many more will receive approval in the near future.
