Vortioxetine liposomes as a novel alternative to improve drug stability under stress conditions: toxicity studies and evaluation of antidepressant-like effect.

BACKGROUND: Vortioxetine hydrobromide (VXT), a new therapeutic option in the treatment of major depressive disorder, is a poorly soluble drug, and instability under stress conditions has been reported. The aim of the present study was to prepare VXT liposomes (VXT-Ls) with an antidepressant-like effect, to improve drug stability and reduce toxicity of the free drug.

METHODS: Liposomes were prepared using the thin lipid film hydration method and properly characterized. Forced degradation studies were conducted in photolytic and oxidative conditions. The cytotoxicity was evaluated in VERO cells through MTT assay and in vivo toxicity was assessed in mice. The antidepressant-like effect in mice was confirmed using the open-field test paradigm and tail suspension test.

RESULTS: The optimized VXT-Ls have multilamellar vesicles with an average size of 176.74 nm ± 2.43. The liposomal formulation increased the stability of VXT. VERO cell viability was maintained at around 40% when the VXT-Ls were tested at higher concentrations and no signs of acute toxicity were observed in mice. The antidepressant-like effect was effective, for VXT-Ls, at doses ranging from 2.5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, measured by the tail suspension test in mice. The non-liposomal formulation was effective at a dose of 10 mg/kg. The open field test was performed and any unspecific changes in locomotor activity were revealed.

CONCLUSIONS: Liposomes seem to be a promising alternative for an oral VXT formulation at lower doses (2.5 mg/kg).