In vivo dermal delivery of bleomycin with electronic pneumatic injection: drug visualization and quantification with mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND

Intralesional bleomycin (BLM) administration by needle injection is effective for keloids and warts but has significant drawbacks, including treatment-related pain and operator-depended success rates. Electronic pneumatic injection (EPI) is a promising, less painful, needle-free method that potentially enables precise and controlled dermal drug delivery. Here, we aimed to explore the cutaneous pharmacokinetics, biodistribution patterns, and tolerability of BLM administered by EPI

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In a pig model, EPI with BLM or saline (SAL) were evaluated after 1, 48 and 216 hours. Mass spectrometry quantification and imaging were used to assess BLM concentrations and biodistribution patterns in skin biopsies. Tolerability was assessed by scoring local skin reactions (LSR) and measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

RESULTS

Directly after BLM injection a peak concentration of 109.2 µg/cm

CONCLUSIONS

BLM administered by EPI resulted in quantifiable and focal mid-dermal distribution of BLM. The high skin bioavailability holds a great potential for clinical effects and warrants further evaluation in future human studies.