Ocular delivery of Amphotericin B: current challenges and future perspectives.

Abstract

Introduction: Amphotericin B is a polyene antibiotic that is used as an off-label eye drop to treat fungal keratitis. Poor solubility, permeability and high susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation make it challenging to formulate a drug delivery system. Despite its drawbacks, it is a potent antifungal drug against Candida and other fungal species. However, it has not been explored much in ocular drug delivery. Hence, this review brings into focus the potential and increasing significance of Amphotericin B in ocular drug delivery.

Areas covered: In this review, we have systematically summarized the use of Amphotericin B in ocular diseases, the various formulation challenges for Amphotericin B, along with its off-label ocular usage, and stability concerns. The degradation mechanism of Amphotericin B in different conditions was discussed in this article as well.

Expert opinion: In the last few decades, several nanocarriers have been explored to improve the formulation challenges associated with Amphotericin B. Also, due to insufficient clinical studies and unknown toxicity profile, there is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Amphotericin B formulation for ocular drug delivery. This review aims to offer thorough information about Amphotericin B in ocular drug delivery.