Expert opinion on drug delivery最新文献

Introduction: Amphotericin B is a polyene antibiotic that is used as an off-label eye drop to treat fungal keratitis. Poor solubility, permeability and high susceptibility to hydrolytic degradation make it challenging to formulate a drug delivery system. Despite its drawbacks, it is a potent antifungal drug against Candida and other fungal species. However, it has not been explored much in ocular drug delivery. Hence, this review brings into focus the potential and increasing significance of Amphotericin B in ocular drug delivery.

Areas covered: In this review, we have systematically summarized the use of Amphotericin B in ocular diseases, the various formulation challenges for Amphotericin B, along with its off-label ocular usage, and stability concerns. The degradation mechanism of Amphotericin B in different conditions was discussed in this article as well.

Expert opinion: In the last few decades, several nanocarriers have been explored to improve the formulation challenges associated with Amphotericin B. Also, due to insufficient clinical studies and unknown toxicity profile, there is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Amphotericin B formulation for ocular drug delivery. This review aims to offer thorough information about Amphotericin B in ocular drug delivery.

Background: Cyltezo® (Adalimumab-adbm) is an FDA-approved interchangeable biosimilar for Humira® (adalimumab reference product [RP]) that helps treat chronic inflammatory conditions. Adalimumab-adbm is administered via an autoinjector, the adalimumab-adbm pen. This study assessed user opinions related to usability, perceptions, convenience, safety features, and acceptability of the adalimumab-adbm pen.

Methods: Ninety-eight Humira Pen users, 100 biologics pen naïve patients, and 99 healthcare professionals simulated the use of the adalimumab-adbm pen on injection pads. Opinions were captured with a validated questionnaire using Likert-type scales during moderated interviews. Binomial tests were conducted for top-two rating percentages.

Results: Nearly 90% of participants found the adalimumab-adbm pen 'easy' or 'very easy' to use, handle, and learn how to use. Almost 90% of volunteers thought the pen was 'very' or 'extremely' solid and convenient to use at home. Around 80% found the pen to be 'very' or 'extremely' comfortable. Over 90% of respondents said they would be 'satisfied' or 'very satisfied' with the safety features and the device itself. Nearly 90% of respondents indicated being 'very' or 'extremely' open to adopting the adalimumab-adbm pen.

Conclusions: The adalimumab-adbm pen provided users with a positive experience with features that benefit perceptions of usability, handling, safety, convenience, and acceptability.

Introduction: Dissolving microneedles (DMN) offer advantages in vaccine delivery, such as enhanced immunogenicity and simplified administration, by targeting immune-rich layers of the skin. However, these benefits require precise and consistent delivery, which poses practical challenges. To address this, specialized applicators are essential for ensuring the accurate deployment of DMNs, making this technology a viable alternative to traditional methods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare infrastructure is limited.

Areas covered: In this review, we examine the advancements in DMN-based vaccination and applicator design, focusing on their joint effort. These innovations have improved the precision and efficiency of DMN vaccine delivery. Complex and costly early-stage applicators have evolved into simpler and more cost-effective designs. We highlight these developments in this review, with the latch applicator as a key example of a feature that enhances vaccine delivery.

Expert opinion: Although applicator development has advanced DMN-based vaccination toward practical use, challenges remain. Key areas for further optimization include user friendliness, cost, packaging volume, and wear time. Once optimized, DMN vaccination may become a highly effective and accessible tool for global immunization, supporting efforts to achieve worldwide vaccine equality.

Background: The effectiveness of inhaled medications in asthma and COPD is significantly impacted by inhalation errors. Feedback mechanisms, built into the design of the inhaler might reduce the number of critical errors. This study compares critical errors, preferences, and ease of use of two dry powder inhalers, the Nexthaler, and the Turbuhaler.

Research design and methods: In this multi-center, prospective, randomized, open-label, cross-over study, the proportions of asthma and COPD patients making critical errors were compared between the Nexthaler and Turbuhaler after 4 weeks of clinical use, after having been trained for the correct use of both inhalers.

Results: Ninety and 49 patients with asthma and COPD, respectively, were assessed. No significant difference was found in the number of critical errors between the two inhalers (3 with Nexthaler and 5 with Turbuhaler). However, more patients preferred the Nexthaler (57.6%) over the Turbuhaler (34.5%) (p = 0.006), while 7.9% stated no preference.

Conclusions: The study found no significant differences in critical error rate between the Nexthaler and Turbuhaler but the Nexthaler was preferred over the Turbuhaler. This study highlights the importance of dedicating sufficient time to instructing patients on the correct inhalation technique, which can lead to long-term retention of the inhalation technique.

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as significant challenge in realm of neurodegenerative disorder. It is characterized by gradual decline in cognitive function and memory loss. It has already expanded its prevalence to 55 million people worldwide and is expected to rise significantly. Unfortunately, there exists a limited therapeutic option that would mitigate its progression. Repurposing existing drugs and employing nanoparticle as delivery agent presents a potential solution to address the intricate pathology of AD.

Areas covered: In this review, we delve into utilization of nanoparticular platforms to enhance the delivery of repurposed drugs for treatment of AD. Firstly, the review begins with the elucidation of intricate pathology underpinning AD, subsequently followed by rationale behind drug repurposing in AD. Covered are explorations of nanoparticle-based repurposing of drugs in AD, highlighting their clinical implication. Further, the associated challenges and probable future perspective are delineated.

Expert opinion: The article has highlighted that extensive research has been carried out on the delivery of repurposed nanomedicines against AD. However, there is a need for advanced and long-term research including clinical trials required to shed light upon their safety and toxicity profile. Furthermore, their scalability in pharmaceutical set-up should also be validated.