The current work was aimed to develop intra nasal Agomelatine nanoparticle -loaded in situ gels for avoiding first pass metabolism and preventing frequent dosing associated with conventional treatment. Agomelatine is an antidepressant, acts as a melatonergic (MT1 and MT2) agonist and serotonergic (5HT2C) antagonist. Agomelatine undergoes hepatic first pass metabolism and has low bioavailability and requires frequent administration due to less half life (2.5 hours). To overcome these problems nasal route was selected as it eliminates first pass metabolism and enhances drug delivery to brain. Agomelatine-loaded nanoparticles were incorporated in to in situ gel to prolong intra nasal retention and increase nasal absorption.

nanoparticles, In situ gel, Ionotropic gelation, Agomelatine, first-pass metabolism