Dermal cell damage induced by topical application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is suppressed by trehalose co-lyophilization in ex vivo analysis.

Topical administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is generally considered safer than oral administration, although the former can occasionally induce cutaneous irritation. We hypothesized that the cutaneous irritation by topical NSAIDs might be suppressed by trehalose, which has protective effects on biological membranes. Using the three-dimensional cultured human skin model, Living Skin Equivalent-high, we found that cutaneous damage due to NSAIDs was reduced by concomitant use of trehalose and that this effect of trehalose was reinforced by co-lyophilization of NSAIDs with trehalose. The anti-inflammatory effect of co-lyophilized NSAIDs with trehalose was comparable to that seen with NSAIDs alone in a rat model. Our results suggest that co-lyophilization of NSAIDs with trehalose might be a novel procedure that can help prevent NSAIDs-induced skin irritation.