Researchers at the Institute of Chemistry of the GA Krestov Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences advanced a gel-based methotrexate formulation. Methotrexate is a medication used to treat autoimmune skin conditions and various cancers. The findings were shared with the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia and discussed by the research team in collaboration with the online outlet socialbites.ca.
The gel form offers a practical alternative to surgical intervention for some conditions, potentially reducing scarring and preserving cosmetic appearance. In Russia, availability of these gel products remains limited because most similar formulations are produced abroad, creating a supply gap for patients who could benefit from non-surgical treatment options.
The central components for these gels are synthetic macromolecular compounds. To achieve a gel with the desired thick consistency, these polymers are used in relatively high concentrations, sometimes reaching about 20 percent by weight. While effective for viscosity, such levels can raise production costs and raise concerns about environmental impact during manufacturing and disposal.
To address these challenges, scientists turned to iota-carrageenan, a naturally biocompatible polymer derived from red seaweed of the Erythrospira spinosum lineage. This biopolymer is known for its powerful thickening properties, making it ideal for forming stable gels that can carry active pharmaceutical ingredients like methotrexate while maintaining skin-friendly characteristics.
In addition, β-cyclodextrin was incorporated into the gel system. This compound helps improve the solubility and stability of methotrexate by forming inclusion complexes with the drug, enabling higher drug loading without compromising the gel’s structural integrity. As a result, the methotrexate content in the dosage form increased by up to eightfold while preserving essential mechanical and release properties.
According to the researchers, the inclusion of β-cyclodextrin also enhances storage stability for methotrexate in solid and semi-solid formulations. This improvement supports the future development of new composite gels for pharmaceutical use that can serve as viable domestic alternatives to imported products, reducing dependence on overseas supplies and potentially lowering costs for healthcare systems and patients alike.
Dermatological conditions remain a significant portion of health concerns. Skin disorders rank in the upper tier of disease burden in terms of severity and prevalence, with skin cancers accounting for a notable share of oncologic cases. The new gel formulations aim to provide effective treatment options for these conditions while reducing the need for invasive procedures and addressing cosmetic outcomes for patients who require long-term therapy.
Methotrexate gels are not limited to dermatology. They are also explored for use in several cancers and autoimmune diseases where methotrexate is a cornerstone therapy. This includes certain lymphoproliferative conditions, gynecologic malignancies such as cervical and vulvar cancers, cancers of the esophagus, head and neck cancers, and tumors involving the renal pelvis and ureter. Beyond oncology, methotrexate remains an important agent in the management of autoimmune diseases, with applications in conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. The ongoing work seeks to expand the therapeutic landscape by delivering methotrexate through gels that are both effective and easier to manufacture domestically, aligning with broader goals of healthcare self-reliance and resource optimization.