Peptide-modified vemurafenib-loaded liposomes for targeted inhibition of melanoma via the skin

Vemurafenib is a chemotherapeutic drug recently approved by the FDA to treat melanoma. Because the drug is usually delivered orally, the route of administration readily causes damage to major organs with limited antitumor efficacy and bioavailability. In this study, we developed a peptide-modified vemurafenib-loaded liposome for the targeted inhibition of subcutaneous melanoma via the skin. First, the peptide-modified vemurafenib-loaded liposomes (Vem-TD-Lip) were prepared and characterized with respect to the size, shape and charge; the loading efficiency of vemurafenib; and the stability. Then, the intracellular uptake of these liposomes, their limited cytotoxicity, the selective inhibition of melanoma cells harboring BRAF mutations, and the liposome permeation ability were confirmed through in vitro experiments. Finally, the safety and antitumor activity of Vem-TD-Lip were evaluated in vivo. The results showed that transdermal delivery of Vem-TD-Lip effectively targeted and inhibited subcutaneous melanoma in male mice, the administration of Vem-TD-Lip through skin was better than that through oral administration and intravenous injection in terms of reducing damage to major organs and enhancing antitumor efficacy, and the peptide TD significantly enhanced the delivery of Vem-TD-Lip across the skin. This work provides a new strategy for delivering vemurafenib to target and inhibit subcutaneous melanoma.