Ibrahim, Mervat ShafikElsayyad, Nihal Mohamed ElmahdySalama, AbeerNoshi, Shereen H2023-10-072023-10-072023-09https://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2023.2259993http://repository.msa.edu.eg/xmlui/handle/123456789/5737Introduction Countless individuals experience negative emotions as hair loss pattern affects their self-esteem and well-being. Rosuvastatin calcium (Ca-RUV) was reported to stimulate the growth of the hair in the applied area, hence, it was selected as a potential hair loss treatment drug. Significance This study aims to develop and optimize (Ca-RUV) loaded squarticles (SQRs) and assess their ability to deliver and release Ca-RUV in the hair follicle for the promotion of hair growth. Methods A response surface design was utilized to study the effect of varying Pluronic® F68 (PF68) and the percentage of liquid lipids within the core of the SQRs and the effects of particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug released percentage after 24 h (%Q24) were assessed. The optimized formula was subjected to DSC, XRD, and in-vivo evaluation in rats. Results SQRs stabilized by 0.8% PF68 and contained 37.5% liquid lipids showed an acceptable particle size (250 nm), drug entrapment efficiency (75%), and %Q24 (100%). The in-vivo studies illustrated the ability of the formula to regrow hair in animals after 10 days due to the elevation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to their normal values and by 9% and 54%, respectively, relative to standard therapy minoxidil (5%). Conclusion Thus, it can be concluded that the optimized formula of Ca-RUV loaded SQRs showed superior in-vivo results in the promotion of hair growth in a shorter period relative to the marketed product. Therefore, the formula can offer a viable option for the treatment of hair loss.enHair growth; Insulin growth factor (IGF); response surface methodology; Rosuvastatin calcium; Squalene; squarticles; Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)Articlehttps://doi.org/10.1080/03639045.2023.2259993