Atorvastatin-loaded peptide amphiphiles against corneal neovascularization.

Background: Corneal neovascularization is a sight-threatening disease. It can be treated using antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory compounds. Therefore, atorvastatin (ATV) constitutes a suitable candidate to be administered topically. To attain suitable efficacy, ATV can be encapsulated into custom-developed nanocarriers such as peptide amphiphiles. Methods: Three peptide amphiphiles bearing one, two or four C 16 -alkyl groups (mC 16 -Tat 47-57 , dC 16 -Tat 47-57 and qC 16 -Tat 47-57 ) were synthesized, characterized and loaded with ATV. Drug release and ocular tolerance were assessed as well as anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic properties. Results: ATV-qC 16 -Tat 47-57 showed higher encapsulation efficiency than mC 16 -Tat 47-57 and dC 16 -Tat 47-57 and more defined nanostructures. ATV-qC 16 -Tat 47-57 showed ATV prolonged release with suitable ocular tolerance. Moreover, ATV-qC 16 -Tat 47-57 was antiangiogenic and prevented ocular inflammation. Conclusion: ATV-qC 16 -Tat 47-57 constitutes a promising topical medication against corneal neovascularization.