Formulation and evaluation of sustained-release pitavastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles for enhanced anti-hyperlipidemic activity

Background: Pitavastatin (PVN), a BCS class-II drug, exhibits poor aqueous solubility leading to limited oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Objectives: This study aimed to enhance the solubility and anti-hyperlipidemic efficacy of Pitavastatin (PVN) by encapsulating it in chitosan-based polymeric nanoparticles. Methods: Pitavastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the ionic gelation method. Formulations were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, In-vitro drug release and surface morphology. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TGA and DSC), ex-vivo intestinal permeability and in-vivo pharmacodynamic analysis were also performed. Results: The size of PVN-loaded NP ranged from 219.9±1.11 to 292.7±2.29 nm with PDI 0.2-0.4, surface charge of +28.4 ± 0.43 to 32.5 ± 1.02 mV and entrapment efficiency 65±1.12-93±1.23%. Solubility in different media (PBS (pH 6.8), 0.1N HCl (pH 1.2) and distilled water showed a 56-102-fold increase compared to PVN. SEM analysis revealed a smooth surface and spherical geometry of the NP. FTIR analysis confirmed that there was no physicochemical interaction between PVN and chitosan in NP formulations (NP1-NP5). XRD and thermal analysis indicated the amorphous nature of PVN-loaded NP. In-vitro drug release from NP formulations (NPI-NP5) ranged from 80.97±4.80 to 81±3.90% indicating sustained release, while ex-vivo intestinal permeability was 1.5-fold higher than PVN. The optimized formulation (NP1) followed Higuchi release model, indicating Fickian diffusion. Pharmacodynamic analysis of lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic albino rats suggested that NP1 reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 33±1.24 %, total cholesterol by 29±2.13% and triglycerides by 23±1.21%, showing better results than PVN. Conclusion: Chitosan-based Pitavastatin nanoparticles successfully enhanced drug solubility and provided sustained release, leading to improved ex-vivo permeability and greater in-vivo anti-hyperlipidemic activity in albino rats. This approach represents a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic potential of Pitavastatin.