Advancements in Transdermal and Topical Cannabinoid Delivery: A Literature Review
Abstract
The transdermal and topical delivery of cannabinoids has garnered increasing attention due to its potential to overcome the limitations associated with conventional oral formulations, such as low bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, and psychotropic side effects. This review explores the feasibility of transdermal cannabinoid delivery and discusses various strategies, including passive diffusion, penetration enhancers, and nanoformulations, to enhance drug absorption through the skin. Significant recent advancements have been made in the development of novel delivery systems aimed at improving cannabinoid bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and patient compliance. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of microneedles for transdermal cannabinoid (CBD) delivery, with a 2024 study fabricating 3D-printed microneedle patches for CBD administration, enhancing bioavailability in preclinical models. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been employed to optimize microneedle design for enhanced drug transport across skin barriers. Additionally, iontophoresis has shown promise for increasing permeability through the skin using mild electrical currents, while a combination of microneedles and iontophoresis has demonstrated a synergistic effect for deeper cannabinoid penetration. Nanocarriers, such as ethosomes, liposomes, and nanoemulsions, have further improved the solubility, stability, and sustained release of cannabinoids. Recent clinical evaluations support the efficacy of transdermal cannabinoid formulations in managing neuropathic pain, inflammation, and dermatological disorders. New strategies, including encapsulating CBD in organosilica particles within polyvinyl alcohol films, have extended stability up to 14 weeks and shown promising results for transdermal delivery. Furthermore, the development of cannabinoid-loaded transdermal patches using micellar vesicular nanocarriers has increased relative bioavailability by several folds. This poster will present a comprehensive literature review summarizing the findings from our published review paper alongside recent advancements in CBD-based transdermal drug delivery systems. The latest research trends, key challenges, and future directions in transdermal cannabinoid delivery will be highlighted to provide insights into next-generation therapeutic strategies.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Clinical Doctoral Student (e.g., medical student, pharmacy student)
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Ashana Puri
Faculty Department
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Advancements in Transdermal and Topical Cannabinoid Delivery: A Literature Review
The transdermal and topical delivery of cannabinoids has garnered increasing attention due to its potential to overcome the limitations associated with conventional oral formulations, such as low bioavailability, extensive first-pass metabolism, and psychotropic side effects. This review explores the feasibility of transdermal cannabinoid delivery and discusses various strategies, including passive diffusion, penetration enhancers, and nanoformulations, to enhance drug absorption through the skin. Significant recent advancements have been made in the development of novel delivery systems aimed at improving cannabinoid bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and patient compliance. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of microneedles for transdermal cannabinoid (CBD) delivery, with a 2024 study fabricating 3D-printed microneedle patches for CBD administration, enhancing bioavailability in preclinical models. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have been employed to optimize microneedle design for enhanced drug transport across skin barriers. Additionally, iontophoresis has shown promise for increasing permeability through the skin using mild electrical currents, while a combination of microneedles and iontophoresis has demonstrated a synergistic effect for deeper cannabinoid penetration. Nanocarriers, such as ethosomes, liposomes, and nanoemulsions, have further improved the solubility, stability, and sustained release of cannabinoids. Recent clinical evaluations support the efficacy of transdermal cannabinoid formulations in managing neuropathic pain, inflammation, and dermatological disorders. New strategies, including encapsulating CBD in organosilica particles within polyvinyl alcohol films, have extended stability up to 14 weeks and shown promising results for transdermal delivery. Furthermore, the development of cannabinoid-loaded transdermal patches using micellar vesicular nanocarriers has increased relative bioavailability by several folds. This poster will present a comprehensive literature review summarizing the findings from our published review paper alongside recent advancements in CBD-based transdermal drug delivery systems. The latest research trends, key challenges, and future directions in transdermal cannabinoid delivery will be highlighted to provide insights into next-generation therapeutic strategies.