PLGA Microsphere Addition to 1‐Hydroxy‐2‐napthoic Acid Enhances the Sustained Release of Escitalopram

Abstract

Escitalopram (ET), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, has been utilized for the treatment of depression and anxiety. However, ET has serious side effects such as nausea, leading to an increased therapeutic dose, needing multiple administrations. Therefore, to overcome these issues, we developed ET encapsulated poly (d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (PLGA-MS) as a sustained release carrier to maintain therapeutic efficacy. The mean particle size of the PLGA-MSs was measured by microscopy. Loading efficiency was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Morphologies were determined by microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used for thermal analysis and glass transition temperature determination. Mean particle size of the ET-loaded PLGA-MSs was 129 AE 14 μm, loading efficiency was 36.8 AE 9.1%, and encapsulation efficiency was up to 70.6 AE 6.8%. Loading efficiency and encapsulation efficiency were increased by the addition of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA). ET was released from PLGA-MS for 4 weeks, which was longer than ET release from PLGA-MS without the addition of HNA. Taken together, we demonstrate the optimum condition for sustained release of ET from PLGA-MS with the addition of HNA, and that this approach may be useful for depression therapy.