RT Journal Article T1 New Formulations Loading Caspofungin for Topical Therapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis A1 Pérez-González, Noelia A1 Bozal-de Febrer, Nuria A1 Calpena-Campmany, Ana C. A1 Nardi-Ricart, Anna A1 Rodríguez-Lagunas, María J. A1 Morales-Molina, José A. A1 Soriano-Ruiz, José L. A1 Fernández-Campos, Francisco A1 Clares-Naveros, Beatriz K1 Vulvovaginal candidiasis K1 Antifungal therapy K1 Caspofungin K1 Vaginal mucosal delivery K1 Mucoadhesive hydrogel K1 Thermoreversible hydrogel K1 Candidiasis vulvovaginal K1 Antifúngicos K1 Caspofungina K1 Hidrogeles K1 Prurito AB Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) poses a significant problem worldwide affecting women from all strata of society. It is manifested as changes in vaginal discharge, irritation, itching and stinging sensation. Although most patients respond to topical treatment, there is still a need for increase the therapeutic arsenal due to resistances to anti-infective agents. The present study was designed to develop and characterize three hydrogels of chitosan (CTS), Poloxamer 407 (P407) and a combination of both containing 2% caspofungin (CSP) for the vaginal treatment of VVC. CTS was used by its mucoadhesive properties and P407 was used to exploit potential advantages related to increasing drug concentration in order to provide a local effect. The formulations were physically, mechanically and morphologically characterized. Drug release profile and ex vivo vaginal permeation studies were performed. Antifungal efficacy against different strains of Candida spp. was also evaluated. In addition, tolerance of formulations was studied by histological analysis. Results confirmed that CSP hydrogels could be proposed as promising candidates for the treatment of VVC. PB MDPI YR 2021 FD 2021-12-12 LK http://hdl.handle.net/10668/4540 UL http://hdl.handle.net/10668/4540 LA en NO Pérez-González N, Bozal-de Febrer N, Calpena-Campmany AC, Nardi-Ricart A, Rodríguez-Lagunas MJ, Morales-Molina JA, et al. New Formulations Loading Caspofungin for Topical Therapy of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Gels. 2021 Dec 12;7(4):259 DS RISalud RD Apr 12, 2025