Development of a novel transdermal patch containing sumatriptan succinate for the treatment of migraine: in vitro and in vivo characterization

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate patches containing sumatriptan succinate (SS), and characterized their application in transdermal delivery of SS. An acrylic emulsion pressure sensitive adhesive was chosen (Nikasol), and compared with a hydrophilic acrylic adhesive (HGA). In vitro permeation studies showed that Nikasol was a better adhesive than HGA, due to the greater skin permeability. An increase in transepidermal water loss was observed after application of both types of patches, however, this parameter gradually recovered to baseline, suggesting that the skin damage was reversible. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies indicated that SS was effectively absorbed from Nikasol patch through the skin and associated with relatively greater absolute bioavailability than that of oral administration. Therefore, these findings indicate that our transdermal patch delivery system of SS fabricated from Nikasol is a promising and innovative approach that may increase compliance in patients undergoing treatment for migraine.