Exploring poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) for drug delivery: Synthesis, characterization, and ex vivo cutaneous application

PhD defence by Camilla Hald Gregersen

Assessment Committee

Associate professor Mie Kristensen, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Professor Claus Johansen, Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine
Associate professor Federico Berti, University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Supervisors

Professor Hanne Mørck Nielsen
Associate Professor Andrea Heinz

Department

Department of Pharmacy

Graduate Programme

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Place

Building: 12, Room: Auditorium 3, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen Ø

Email address to gain access to the thesis: camilla.hald@sund.ku.dk.
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Short description of the thesis

This PhD project explores poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) as a film-forming polymer for targeted cutaneous delivery of the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib citrate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Combining physicochemical characterization, formulation development, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo skin delivery studies, the influence of hydration state on the thermoresponsive behavior of PNVCL is investigated under application-relevant conditions. The project demonstrates that sprayable PNVCL films can form transparent, patient-friendly formulations that enhance local drug retention in the skin, minimize systemic drug exposure, and support skin barrier restoration. Together, the findings advance the understanding of PNVCL-based drug delivery systems and highlight their potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for atopic dermatitis.