Antifungal resistance in humans is a clinical reality of increasing incidence that raises problems for patient care. In this current event, we discuss the link that can be made between the presence of antifungals in the environment and the development of resistance in humans, as well as the ecotoxicology of antifungals. The presence of antifungals in the environment has a health, but also an ecological impact. A "One Health" approach will help to address this environmental health challenge.
Onychomycosis is a disease of the nail plate caused by fungi, leading to the progressive defacing of the nail. The infection requires a longer period of treatment orally and topically. The treatment with the topical route is difficult due to the low availability of drugs across the infected nail. This failure in topical treatment is the drawback of the conventional drug delivery system (DDS), particularly drug penetration issues across the nail plate. The solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) approach was used to overcome such issues. The drug amorolfine hydrochloride (AOF) was incorporated into SLN by using the micro-emulsion cold dilution method. Monostrearin and stearic acid were used as solid lipids in the formulation of drug-loaded SLNs. The nanoparticle formulation was optimized by varying the type of solid lipids and bile salts. Sodium taurocholate (STC) and sodium tauroglycholate (STG) are the bile salts used as biosurfactants in the formulation. The SLNs prepared with stearic acid and STG demonstrated higher drug encapsulation efficiency (71.73%) and drug loading efficiency (13.03%) than monostearin. Bile salts have affected the particle size range and STG was found to produce smaller size particles with stearic acid (406nm) than STC. Process parameter homogenization speed was also optimized and 403 relative centrifugal force (RCF) was optimal to produce smaller-size particles (406nm). The drug permeation through the nail plate and anti-fungal studies were also performed for AOF-SLNs loaded cream and marketed cream (Amfocin). The SLNs have improved the permeation (1.63-fold) and anti-fungal activity (2.50-fold) of AOF. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed a spherical shape of SLNs with no aggregation. The physical stability was performed and SLNs have higher stability at refrigeration storage. The SLNs were incorporated in cream for the final application for onychomycosis. The analytical method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the quantification of AOF in the formulations.
Objectives: To review the literature and national practices concerning the handling and decontamination of live medications, in order to revise our local practices.
Methods: Literature searches and questionnaire sent to establishments handling live medications on several themes, including: preparation activity, circuits, preparation equipment, decontamination techniques and agents, personal protective equipment, viruses and genetically modified organisms.
Results: Twenty establishments responded to the questionnaire (response rate: 66%) with 16 responses usable. The main live medications handled were viral vector (n=16) or cell-based gene therapies (n=14). The majority of respondents handled at least three types of live medication. The most popular and the most used preparation equipment was the biosafety cabinet (13/16). Handling was carried out in 9/16 establishments on a single piece of equipment, and in 7/16 on several. All the establishments decontaminated between two preparations of different types of live medication, and 15/16 between two preparations of the same type. None used ultraviolet decontamination. Although recommended in the literature, only five respondents distinguished between naked and enveloped viruses for decontamination. Seven out of 16 establishments had specific decontamination procedures for genetically modified organisms. There were few or no guidelines from French competent authorities or learned societies.
Conclusions: The diversification of live medications is not accompanied by guidelines or scientific publications, which makes risk assessment difficult for hospital pharmacists. Nevertheless, this work has enabled us to take stock of current practices and revise our protocols, even if the decisions we take are still based on free will.
Context: Drug shortages impact patients from all countries. According to the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union, most Europe countries reported a worsening of shortages in 2023.
Objective: To describe drug shortage episodes in Canada over a recent 4-year period.
Methods: This study focused on drug shortage episodes over the 52-month period from September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023. Two data sources were used: the Canadian mandatory reporting website (both community and hospital settings) and hospital wholesaler data. Only descriptive statistical analyses were performed.
Results: From September 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023, a total of 10,975 drug shortage episodes and 1087 discontinuations were reported on the Canadian website, whereas 2562 drug shortage episodes were reported by the hospital wholesaler. The median duration of episodes was 51days according to reports at the Canadian website data versus 145days according to the wholesaler's data. The Canadian website data referred to a total of 184 manufacturers, whereas wholesaler data encompassed 83 manufacturers. Only 86 episodes were rated as Tier 3.
Conclusions: This study highlights the high number of drug shortages in Canada in recent years, both in the overall market and in the hospital market. Although the median duration of episodes has decreased across the country, the number of manufacturers involved has increased. The danger lies in considering the current situation as inevitable, normal and persistent.
Mesalamine (MES) is a preferred therapeutic agent for managing various colon disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, conventional oral dosage forms of MES face significant limitations, which reduce their effectiveness in managing these conditions. To overcome these challenges, advanced dosage forms of MES are essential. Fenugreek gum (FG), a natural polysaccharide with non-toxicity, ease of synthesis, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, was selected as a key component for developing a novel delivery system. Calcium ion crosslinked MES-incorporated FG-decorated pectin microspheres (FG@MES/PM) were successfully designed for colon-specific drug delivery using an ionotropic gelation technique. The microspheres exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics, including a particle size of 586nm, a polydispersity index of 0.348, an entrapment efficiency of 85.20±1.02%, and a drug content of 98.52±0.96%. Ex vivo mucoadhesion tests demonstrated strong mucoadhesive properties, highlighting the potential of FG@MES/PM to adhere effectively to the colonic mucosa. In vitro drug release studies showed a modified release profile, with 99.02±1.80% MES released over 24h. Release kinetics analysis confirmed that FG@MES/PM followed the Higuchi matrix model (R2=0.9867), indicating diffusion-controlled release. The drug release mechanism was characterized as anomalous (non-Fickian) transport, with a release exponent (n) of 0.563. Overall, FG@MES/PM demonstrated promising potential for colon-specific drug delivery, offering sustained release and enhanced mucoadhesion. This study underscores the utility of FG for developing advanced drug delivery systems targeting the colon. Future research should explore the broader application of FG and similar natural polysaccharides in designing efficient and biocompatible colon-targeted formulations to improve therapeutic outcomes for IBD and related conditions.
An antiviral prodrug that has received regulatory approval and primarily employed in the treatment of hepatitis C is sofosbuvir (SOF). It is therefore imperative to develop advanced delivery methods for SOF in order to address existing absor ption issue and maximize the efficacy. In this study, we developed microneedle-integrated SOF (MN-SOF) which were elongated with branches and coated capsules to form luminar capsule microneedles (LUCAMs). To facilitate the formulation of LUCAMs, analytical methods for SOF in ethanol, artificial intestinal fluid (AIF), and artificial gastric fluid (AGF) were developed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer and colorimetric techniques in liver tissue. These methods were validated by combi ning the samples with ammonium metavanadate reagent. The validation process was conducted in order to ensure the accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, and sensitivity of the methods. These methods exhibited a correlation coefficient of 0.9999, with a coefficient of variation below 25%. The methods demonstrate high accuracy and precision, with relative standard deviation (RSD) values ranging from 0.67% to 9.42% across different medium. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values of SOF on each calibration curve of ethanol, artificial gastric fluid (AGF), artificial intestinal fluid (AIF), and rabbit liver tissue are 0.54μg/mL and 1.65μg/mL; 0.54μg/mL and 1.64μg/mL; 0.39μg/mL and 1.21μg/mL; 0.27μg/mL and 0.83μg/mL. As a significant outcome, the analytical method was validated and demonstrated suitability for determining the amount of SOF in the LUCAMs formulation through in vitro solubility, ex vivo permeation profiles, and in vivo drug delivery studies.
Titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring compound, has been extensively utilized across various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. In the food sector, it was commonly employed as a color and opacity enhancer under the designation E171. However, due to safety concerns, the EU has prohibited its use as a food additive, effective August 2022, following a six-month transition period. The decision was based on scientific research highlighting risks associated with inhaling titanium dioxide nanoparticles and its potential genotoxic effects. This review also summarizes the implications of this ban on the pharmaceutical industry, where titanium dioxide is utilized in drug manufacturing. While the safety of titanium dioxide in tablets remains inconclusive, the EU's regulatory action has prompted a closer examination of alternative options. While alternatives exist, they may not provide the same benefits as TiO2, particularly in pharmaceuticals. Further research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of TiO2 and its alternatives in these applications.
Montmorillonite (MMT) clay is composed of naturally layered silicate. The clays were more popular in the pharmaceutical and other various fields due to their beneficial physicochemical properties viz. non-toxicity, high surface area, efficient adsorption capability, high swellability, high dispersibility, thixotropic behaviour, and cation exchange capacity. Chemically modified clay provides significant opportunities in variety of applications. MMT finds very crucial place in pharmaceutical field owing to its medicinal properties, which may be used to delay the drug release in chronic physiological conditions and the targeted drug release as well. It is also used to improve the dissolution rate of certain drug molecules, which increased the attention of the researchers to explore the MMT for drug delivery applications. MMT clay has been used as pharmaceutical aids viz. suspending agent, lubricant, anticaking agent, diluent, emulsifier, nanocomposites-forming material, and sometimes filler. MMT clay have been investigated in the fabrication of different pharmaceutical formulations viz. hydrogel, films, nanocomposites, and matrix-based systems. MMT has obtained industrial importance due to its adsorption property and also finds use in wastewater treatment. Other than this, MMT also finds applications in cosmetic industry, food industry, and paper industry. Considering the wide applicability of MMT, it is need of an hour to explore the MMT for further commercial exploitation.
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：