Development of Stratum Corneum Lipid Liposomes for Topical Drug Delivery

The study investigates the use of stratum corneum lipid liposomes (SCLL) for targeted topical delivery of 5α-reductase inhibitors, specifically finasteride, to treat androgenetic alopecia by enhancing drug penetration to the hair follicle. SCLL, prepared from porcine lipids, showed superior drug deposition in the epidermis and dermis compared to conventional forms. Finasteride-loaded SCLL resulted in significantly longer hair shafts and greater hair length, with improved anagen hair counts and anagen to telogen ratios. The SCLL system demonstrated enhanced drug release and concentration at the hair follicle, highlighting its potential for effective finasteride delivery.