Evaluating the potential of travoprost-thymoquinone co-loaded liposomes: a glaucomatous rabbit model study.

Abstract

AIM: Glaucoma is associated with abnormal IOP elevation leading to irreversible blindness. In this study, we explore the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone in combination with travoprost to enhance the treatment efficacy of glaucoma. METHOD: Thymoquinone-travoprost co-loaded liposomes (LP-TP-TQ) were formulated using thin-film hydration technique and optimized using BBD. Optimized liposomes underwent comprehensive ex vivo, in vitro, and preclinical characterization. RESULTS: The optimized formulation demonstrated a vesicle size of 96.02 ± 1.35 nm having negative surface charge encapsulated 81.55 ± 1.12% of TQ and 86.88 ± 0.55% of TP. LP-TP-TQ released drug sustained for 24 hr, while ex vivo permeation studies confirmed enhanced ocular penetration. In human corneal epithelial cells, LP-TP-TQ exhibited superior viability and internalization properties. The IOP-lowering efficacy was evaluated in an in vivo glaucomatous rabbit model, where significant reductions in IOP were observed, underscoring the potential of co-delivering TQ and TP via liposomes to ameliorate glaucomatous damage. Results suggest that LP-TP-TQ presents a promising strategy for advancing glaucoma management, laying the groundwork for future clinical investigations.