The College of Pharmacy discussed the MSc thesis entitled “Preparation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Bilastine In Situ Ophthalmic Gel” by the student Alaa Ghazi Ibrahim and her supervisor, Assist. Prof. Lena Murad Thomas, at the Pharmaceutics Department.The main aim of the study was to formulate and evaluate bilastine as a mucoadhesive, thermosensitive in situ gel formulation for topical ocular application with improved residence time. Poloxamers (P407 and P188)-based thermosensitive in situ gels using different concentrations of the polymeric blend were developed with the cold method, and different types of mucoadhesive polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E50, sodium hyaluronate, and gellan gum) were utilized to optimize the properties of developed in situ gels. The prepared formulations were characterized in appearance and clarity, pH, osmolarity, drug content, gelation temperature, spreadability, viscosity properties, mucoadhesion strength, gel strength, in vitro drug release, and kinetic studies. A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) compatibility study was conducted for the selected (F14) formula. All formulated gels were clear and transparent with pH ranging from 7.0 to 7.5. Increasing the concentrations of P 407 and mucoadhesive polymers increased viscosity, gel strength, and mucoadhesion force but caused a reduction in gelation temperature and drug release. Formula (F 14) containing P 407/P 188/HPMC E50 as 19/4/0.75% w/v, respectively, exhibited favorable characteristics, including optimal gelation temperature (32.52 °C), drug content (93%), gel strength (40 ± 1.1 sec), mucoadhesive strength (6125 ± 62 dyne/cm2), and 91.82% in vitro drug release over 5 hours with a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. The obtained results suggest that the developed bilastine ocular in situ gel may provide a more effective treatment for allergic conjunctivitis while improving patient compliance.
