Topical Glutathione-Cyclodextrin Composition for Oxidation-Stable Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glutathione treatments are limited by its unstable nature, leading to oxidation and poor absorption, which hinders its therapeutic effectiveness in various disease conditions.

Innovation Solution

A topical composition comprising reduced, nanonized L-glutathione stabilized with gamma cyclodextrin, ascorbic acid, and optional additives like dexpanthenol and sodium hyaluronate, facilitating transdermal delivery and protection against oxidation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glutathione is administered orally, then it can be delivered to the body, but it undergoes oxidation and poor absorption in the digestive tract

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption efficiencyVSAvoidoxidation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cyclodextrin as an intermediary carrier to encapsulate glutathione, protecting it from oxidation in the digestive tract and facilitating its transport through the gastrointestinal system. The cyclodextrin forms an inclusion complex with glutathione, shielding the thiol group from oxidative damage while enabling oral delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs nanonization to reduce glutathione particle size to the nanoscale range, which fundamentally changes its physical properties. This size reduction dramatically improves absorption efficiency by increasing surface area and enabling penetration through biological membranes, while the nanoscale form also enhances stability against oxidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If glutathione is stabilized against oxidation, then its therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but its absorption and delivery to target tissues remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidabsorption efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a nested structure where glutathione is encapsulated within cyclodextrin molecules, forming an inclusion complex. This nested arrangement protects the inner glutathione molecule from external oxidative environments while the outer cyclodextrin layer facilitates transport through biological barriers, simultaneously achieving both stability and absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If glutathione is delivered transdermally, then digestive tract absorption issues are bypassed, but the stability during transdermal delivery must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption efficiencyVSAvoidoxidation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cyclodextrin as an intermediary carrier for transdermal delivery, where it encapsulates glutathione and facilitates its penetration through the skin barrier. The cyclodextrin protection mechanism remains active during transdermal transport, preventing oxidation while enabling efficient delivery to target tissues beneath the skin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition effectively delivers glutathione transdermally, bypassing digestive tract absorption issues and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy in conditions such as COVID-19 by improving cellular antioxidant levels.

Implementation Method 1

reduced, nanonized L-glutathione stabilized with gamma cyclodextrin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclusion complex formation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

ascorbic acid; facilitating transdermal delivery and protection against oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidant action: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

reduced, nanonized L-glutathione

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNanonization:

Data Source

PatentEP4142767B1Compositions and methods of treatment with glutathione
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 AURO PHARMACEUTICALS INC

AI summary

A topical composition comprising a nanonised L-glutathione and cyclodextrin complex, together with ascorbic acid in a weight ratio of glutathione to ascorbic acid from 7:1 to 15:1 and from 1:1 to 1:15 and a further compound comprising dexpanthenol, thiamine, benzalkonium chloride, sodium hyaluronate or acetyl-L-cysteine, which composition is topically administered for treating the symptoms of viral infection including COVID-19 and influenza, and for treating herpes simplex, herpes zoster, post herpetic neuralgia, genital herpes, alcohol detoxification, high triglycerides, age or liver spots and lupus.