Development and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of artemether and lumefantrine co-loaded nanoliposomes for parenteral delivery

Combination therapy of artemether (ART) and lumefantrine (LUM) is well-established for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria worldwide. Nanoliposomes (NLs) encapsulating both drugs were prepared and freeze-dried. The lyophilized nanoliposomes exhibited high entrapment efficiency of artemether (66.18%), relatively low entrapment efficiency of lumefantrine (53.46%), low average size diameter (125.3 nm) and found to be stable at 4 °C for 60 days without significant change in mean particle diameter and drug entrapment efficiencies. In vitro drug release study has shown initial burst effect and then sustained release pattern over a time period of 30 h. In vivo toxicity study was examined by liver and kidney function test as well as histopathological examination. Nanoliposomes showed lower hemolytic potential (∼10%) compared to all the components when studied individually. There was no significant change (p > 0.05) in biochemical parametes between control and treated group of animals. Pharmacokinetic data of ART + LUM NLs showed higher the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) values and prolonged residence time of drug in the blood circulation compared with ART + LUM solution. The tissue distribution demonstrated high uptake of ART + LUM-NLs in RES organs particularly in liver and spleen. Biocompatibility was confirmed by hepato- and nephrotoxicity analysis showed no sign of fibrosis, fatty infiltration, centrilobular necrosis and lymphocyte infiltration confirmed the suitability of developed formulation for treatment of malaria.