Mucoadhesive Modified-Release Formulations for the Topical Treatment of Symptomatic Oral Lichen Planus

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the oral mucosa, often causing painful lesions, burning sensations, and impaired quality of life. Current treatments primarily rely on high-potency topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate. However, conventional formulations like ointments or pastes may be difficult to apply, poorly retained in the oral cavity, and associated with limited bioavailability or side effects.

This clinical trial investigates the efficacy of a novel mucoadhesive drug delivery system in the form of a patch. The patch is designed to adhere to the oral mucosa, releasing the active compounds in a controlled and prolonged manner. Two types of patches are tested: one containing clobetasol propionate alone and one containing a combination of clobetasol and resveratrol, a natural polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

The study is a triple-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted on adult patients with a confirmed histological diagnosis of symptomatic OLP. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three arms:

Arm 1: Patch with clobetasol propionate Arm 2: Patch with clobetasol propionate and resveratrol Arm 3 (Control): Clobetasol 0.05% in an orabase-type adhesive paste Treatments are applied over a 30-day period following a standardized schedule. Clinical evaluations take place at baseline, 15 days, and 30 days, and include photographic documentation, symptom scoring with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and clinical severity assessment using the Thongprasom score. In addition, participants complete the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire to evaluate changes in oral-health-related quality of life.

Structural changes in the mucosa are monitored using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging technique that allows real-time visualization of tissue layers, providing objective information on epithelial healing and inflammation.

The primary outcomes are reduction in pain and burning symptoms, improvement of lesion severity, and increased quality of life. Secondary outcomes include patient compliance and OCT-based structural improvement. This study aims to offer a more effective, better tolerated, and innovative therapeutic approach for managing oral lichen planus.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Clinical suspicion of Oral Lichen Planus (OLP).
• Histological confirmation of OLP based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (presence of hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, basal cell degeneration, and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate in the lamina propria).
• Absence of epithelial dysplasia.
• Ability to understand and sign informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Previous diagnosis or treatment for OLP.
• Use of topical or systemic corticosteroids in the last 4 weeks.
• Use of medications known to cause lichenoid reactions.
• History of allergic reactions to dental materials (e.g., amalgam).
• Hematological disorders or immunodeficiencies.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Current use of immunosuppressive therapies.
• Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures.