Novel potential for optimization of antitubercular therapy: Pulmonary delivery of rifampicin lipospheres

The aim of the present work is to develop rifampicin loaded phospholipid lipospheres containing sulfphobutyl ether β-cyclodextrin and Vitamin C for inhalation to test their potential for deep lung delivery. The findings of the solid state characterization revealed the amorphous nature of the lipospheres. These exhibited a better flowability, an aerodynamic diameter in the range of 1.76 to 3.99 µm. Moreover, the fine particle fraction and emitted dose was found in the range of 68.84–83.73% and 80–93%, respectively. Moreover, lipospheres exhibited enhanced/equivalent efficacy in vitro in H37Rv strain. Hence, the results show the potential of lipospheres for pulmonary delivery of rifampicin.