Background Polybactum (Effik International, Brussels, Belgium) is a vaginal mucoadhesive product (medical device) designed to form a film that acts as a mechanical barrier with the aim of inhibiting colonization by specific pathogens. It contains polycarbophil, a bioadhesive agent, and lauryl glucoside (LG), a nonionic surfactant that reinforces the barrier effect through its tensioactive properties. Objective To assess the local safety profile, tolerability, and efficacy of Polybactum formulations. Methods The following studies were performed on 3 Polybactum formulations: 2 ovules (Type 1: LG 0.04% and Type 2: LG 0.1%) and 1 gel formulation. Bacteriologic tests assessing the effects on normal vaginal flora and pathogens; in vitro and in vivo tests designed to assess cytotoxicity, as well as irritant and sensitizing potentials; biocompatibility, barrier, residence time, and absorption tests using reconstituted human vaginal epithelium were performed. Results Polybactum is a selective bacteriostatic agent that is active against Streptococcus agalactiae and Gardnerella vaginalis while sparing normal vaginal flora; that is, Lactobacillus spp. It had no cytotoxic, irritant, and sensitizing effects nor did it impair barrier and fence functions of the vaginal epithelium. The Type 1 ovule showed film-forming properties in vitro. Finally, LG absorption through reconstituted human vaginal epithelium was negligible, ruling out the risk for possible systemic toxicity. Conclusions This favorable preclinical profile is encouraging and supports clinical studies on Polybactum Type 1 ovules for the prevention and management of recurring bacterial vaginosis.

Preclinical Evaluation of Tolerability of a Selective, Bacteriostatic, Locally Active Vaginal Formulation / L.I. Ardolino, M. Meloni, G. Brugali, E. Corsini, C.L. Galli. - In: CURRENT THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL. - ISSN 0011-393X. - 83(2016), pp. 13-21. [10.1016/j.curtheres.2016.07.002]

Preclinical Evaluation of Tolerability of a Selective, Bacteriostatic, Locally Active Vaginal Formulation

E. Corsini
Penultimo
;
C.L. Galli
Ultimo
2016

Abstract

Background Polybactum (Effik International, Brussels, Belgium) is a vaginal mucoadhesive product (medical device) designed to form a film that acts as a mechanical barrier with the aim of inhibiting colonization by specific pathogens. It contains polycarbophil, a bioadhesive agent, and lauryl glucoside (LG), a nonionic surfactant that reinforces the barrier effect through its tensioactive properties. Objective To assess the local safety profile, tolerability, and efficacy of Polybactum formulations. Methods The following studies were performed on 3 Polybactum formulations: 2 ovules (Type 1: LG 0.04% and Type 2: LG 0.1%) and 1 gel formulation. Bacteriologic tests assessing the effects on normal vaginal flora and pathogens; in vitro and in vivo tests designed to assess cytotoxicity, as well as irritant and sensitizing potentials; biocompatibility, barrier, residence time, and absorption tests using reconstituted human vaginal epithelium were performed. Results Polybactum is a selective bacteriostatic agent that is active against Streptococcus agalactiae and Gardnerella vaginalis while sparing normal vaginal flora; that is, Lactobacillus spp. It had no cytotoxic, irritant, and sensitizing effects nor did it impair barrier and fence functions of the vaginal epithelium. The Type 1 ovule showed film-forming properties in vitro. Finally, LG absorption through reconstituted human vaginal epithelium was negligible, ruling out the risk for possible systemic toxicity. Conclusions This favorable preclinical profile is encouraging and supports clinical studies on Polybactum Type 1 ovules for the prevention and management of recurring bacterial vaginosis.
bacterial vaginosis; bacteriostatic agent; lauryl glucoside; polycarbophil; pregnancy infectious complications; Streptococcus agalactiae; Pharmacology; Pharmacology (medical)
Settore BIO/14 - Farmacologia
2016
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/496475
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