Preparation and in vitro evaluation of acyclovir loaded chitosan/polyacrylic acid film formulations for topical treatment of herpes simplex infection

Herpes simplex virus is a very common disease with 2 types as HSV-1 and HSV -2, approximately 90% of which are known to be prevalent until 40 years of age. The infection can be transmitted through body fluids or direct contact. It usually presents with lesions in the mouth, lips and genital area with suppression of the immune system after the typical initial infection. Systemic or local treatment depending on the regimen of the virus. Acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir are preferred in oral treatment of HSV, while cream formulations containing Acyclovir are most commonly used in topical treatment. Especially due to the low bioavailability, low permeability and short half-life (3 hours) of Acyclovir, topical application is long-term and frequently repeated. Advanced treatments are needed to expand these problems seen in treatment and to process patient compliance. The topical adhesive film formulations prepared in this study will increase the interaction of Acyclovir with the mucosa and prolong the drug release, thus reducing the dose and increasing patient compliance. The bioadhesive polymers used, chitosan and polyacrylic acid, allow acyclovir penetration and deep skin penetration into the mucosa. In vitro characterization studies concluded that Acyclovir loaded chitosan/polyacrylic acid film formulations are promising systems for the topical treatment of Herpes Simplex.