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ACS Applied Bio Materials Sep 2023The vagina has been regarded as a crucial route for drug delivery. Despite the wide range of available vaginal dosage forms for vaginal infection control, poor drug... (Review)
Review
The vagina has been regarded as a crucial route for drug delivery. Despite the wide range of available vaginal dosage forms for vaginal infection control, poor drug absorptivity remains a significant challenge due to various biological barriers in the vagina, such as mucus, epithelium, immune systems, and others. To overcome these barriers, different types of vaginal drug delivery systems (VDDSs), with outstanding mucoadhesive, mucus-penetrating properties, have been designed to enhance the absorptivity of vagina-administered agents in the past decades. In this Review, we introduce a general understanding of vaginal administration, its biological barriers, the commonly used VDDSs, such as nanoparticles and hydrogels, and their applications in controlling microbe-associated vaginal infections. Additionally, further challenges and concerns regarding the design of VDDSs will be discussed.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vagina; Drug Delivery Systems; Administration, Intravaginal; Nanoparticles; Hydrogels
PubMed: 36932958
DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00097 -
Drug Delivery Dec 2023Resveratrol is a polyphenol with diverse pharmacological activities, but its clinical efficacy is limited due to low solubility/permeability, light-induced... (Review)
Review
Resveratrol is a polyphenol with diverse pharmacological activities, but its clinical efficacy is limited due to low solubility/permeability, light-induced isomerization, auto-oxidation, and rapid metabolism. Nanodelivery systems, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanocarriers, micelles, nanocrystals, inorganic nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, protein-based nanoparticles, exosomes, macrophages, and red blood cells (RBCs) have shown great potential for improving the solubility, biocompatibility, and therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advances in resveratrol nanoencapsulation and describes potential strategies to improve the pharmacokinetics of existing nanoformulations, enhance targeting, reduce toxicity, and increase drug release and encapsulation efficiency. The article also suggests that in order to avoid potential safety issues, resveratrol nanoformulations must be tested in a wide range of diseases.
Topics: Drug Carriers; Resveratrol; Liposomes; Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System; Nanotechnology
PubMed: 36852655
DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2023.2174206 -
Journal of Controlled Release :... Jun 2024The bioaerogel microparticles have been recently developed for respiratory drug delivery and attract fast increasing interests. These highly porous microparticles have... (Review)
Review
The bioaerogel microparticles have been recently developed for respiratory drug delivery and attract fast increasing interests. These highly porous microparticles have ultralow density and hence possess much reduced aerodynamic diameter, which favour them with greatly enhanced dispersibility and improved aerosolisation behaviour. The adjustable particle geometric dimensions by varying preparation methods and controlling operation parameters make it possible to fabricate bioaerogel microparticles with accurate sizes for efficient delivery to the targeted regions of respiratory tract (i.e. intranasal and pulmonary). Additionally, the technical process can provide bioaerogel microparticles with the opportunities of accommodating polar, weak polar and non-polar drugs at sufficient amount to satisfy clinical needs, and the adsorbed drugs are primarily in the amorphous form that potentially can facilitate drug dissolution and improve bioavailability. Finally, the nature of biopolymers can further offer additional advantageous characteristics of improved mucoadhesion, sustained drug release and subsequently elongated time for continuous treatment on-site. These fascinating features strongly support bioaerogel microparticles to become a novel platform for effective delivery of a wide range of drugs to the targeted respiratory regions, with increased drug residence time on-site, sustained drug release, constant treatment for local and systemic diseases and anticipated better-quality of therapeutic effects.
Topics: Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Gels; Animals; Aerosols; Administration, Inhalation; Particle Size; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 38641021
DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.021 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery 2023Although the administration of drugs on the skin is a safe and noninvasive therapeutic alternative, producing formulations capable of disrupting the cutaneous barriers... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Although the administration of drugs on the skin is a safe and noninvasive therapeutic alternative, producing formulations capable of disrupting the cutaneous barriers is still a challenge. In this scenario, extrusion-based techniques have emerged as disruptive technologies to ensure unique drug-excipient interactions that facilitate drug skin diffusion for systemic or local effect and even mean the key to obtain viable industrial products.
AREAS COVERED
This article presents a comprehensive overview of extrusion-based techniques in developing pharmaceutical dosage forms for topical or transdermal drug delivery. First, the theoretical basis of how extrusion-based techniques can optimize the permeation of drugs through the skin is examined. Then, the current state-of-the-art of drug products developed by extrusion-based techniques, specifically by hot-melt extrusion (HME) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, are discussed and contrasted with the current pharmaceutical processes.
EXPERT OPINION
A wide variety of pharmaceutical products can be obtained using HME and FDM 3D printing, including new dosage forms designed for a perfect anatomical fit. Despite the limitations of pharmaceutical products produced with HME and FDM 3D printing regarding thermal stability and available excipients, the advantages in industrial adaptability and improved bioavailability allied with patient-match devices certainly deserve full attention and investment.
Topics: Humans; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Drug Compounding; Administration, Cutaneous; Hot Melt Extrusion Technology; Excipients; Drug Liberation; Drug Delivery Systems; Tablets
PubMed: 37522812
DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2241362 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences May 2024Interest in minitablets (MTs) has grown exponentially over the last 20 years and especially the last decade, as evidenced by the number of publications cited in Scopus... (Review)
Review
Interest in minitablets (MTs) has grown exponentially over the last 20 years and especially the last decade, as evidenced by the number of publications cited in Scopus and PubMed. MTs offer significant opportunities for personalized medicine, dose titration and flexible dosing, taste masking, and customizing drug delivery systems. Advances in specialized MT tooling, manufacturing, and characterization instrumentation have overcome many of the earlier development issues. Breakthrough MT swallowability, acceptability, and palatability research have challenged the long-standing idea that only liquids are acceptable dosage forms for infants and young children. MTs have been shown to be a highly acceptable dosage form for infants, small children, and geriatric patients who have difficulty swallowing. This review discusses the current state of MT applications, acceptability in pediatric and geriatric populations, medication adherence, manufacturing processes such as tableting and coating, running powder and tablet characterization, packaging and MT dispensing, and regulatory considerations.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Aged; Administration, Oral; Tablets; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Packaging; Precision Medicine
PubMed: 38369020
DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.02.016 -
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Nov 2023Hydrogels are a type of functional polymer material with a three-dimensional network structure composed of physically or chemically cross-linked polymers. All hydrogels... (Review)
Review
Hydrogels are a type of functional polymer material with a three-dimensional network structure composed of physically or chemically cross-linked polymers. All hydrogels have two common features: first, their structure contains a large number of hydrophilic groups; therefore, they have a high water content and can swell in water. Second, they have good regulation, and the physical and chemical properties of their cross-linked network can be changed by environmental factors and deliberate modification methods. In recent years, the application of hydrogels in ophthalmology has gradually attracted attention. By selecting an appropriate composition and cross-linking mode, hydrogels can be used in different fields for various applications, such as gel eye drops, gel preparation, intravitreal injection, and corneal contact lenses. This Review provides a detailed introduction to the classification of hydrogels and their applications in glaucoma, vitreous substitutes, fundus diseases, corneal contact lenses, corneal diseases, and cataract surgery.
Topics: Hydrogels; Ophthalmology; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Water
PubMed: 37906698
DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00672 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutical... 2023Pharmaceutical foams are gaining in popularity. The use of foam technology now delivers a range of topical active agents, including corticosteroids, other...
Pharmaceutical foams are gaining in popularity. The use of foam technology now delivers a range of topical active agents, including corticosteroids, other anti-inflammatories, sunscreen compounds, and antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents. In addition to the distinct application advantages and improved patient compliance with foams, a real reason for the rapid growth of topical foam technology is that foams are elegant and aesthetically and cosmetically appealing products that provide an alternative to ointments, creams, lotions, and gels in the highly competitive dermatological market. In addition to all this, foams can be easily compounded for patients to take advantage of the uniqueness and applicability of this dosage form in medication administration. As an example, for the treatment of inflamed skin conditions such as sunburn and eczema, topical foams are preferred because they can be spread more easily and thereby minimize the amount of rubbing required to distribute the formulations. Another innovative use of forms is in administering a liquid medication to a bedridden patient. When a liquid is placed in a spoon or measuring device, it may spill. However, if the foam is placed in the spoon, it can be delivered to the patient without spilling. Properly formulated, this foam can be spill resistant, reproducible, easily flavored and taste masked, and pediatric and geriatric friendly.
Topics: Humans; Child; Aged; Drug Compounding; Emollients; Ointments; Skin Diseases; Gels
PubMed: 37816182
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Pharmaceutical... Aug 2023Older adults are the main users of medicine and due to common multimorbidity they are often confronted with a complex medication management. This review article provides... (Review)
Review
Older adults are the main users of medicine and due to common multimorbidity they are often confronted with a complex medication management. This review article provides a brief overview on aspects of medication management, i.e., maintaining a stock of the required medicine, understanding and following the instructions for use, coping with the primary and secondary packaging, as well as the preparation prior to use. However, the main focus is on the drug intake itself and the review provides an overview of the current understanding of real life dosing conditions in older adults and geriatric patients. It elaborates the acceptability of dosage forms, in particular solid oral dosage forms as they represent the majority of dosage forms taken by this patient population. An improved understanding of the needs of older adults and geriatric patients, their acceptability of various dosage forms, and the circumstances under which they manage their medications will allow for the design of more patient-centric drug products.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Dosage Forms; Medication Review; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 37149104
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106453 -
Acta Pharmaceutica (Zagreb, Croatia) Jun 2024In the past, the administration of medicines for children mainly involved changes to adult dosage forms, such as crushing tablets or opening capsules. However, these... (Review)
Review
In the past, the administration of medicines for children mainly involved changes to adult dosage forms, such as crushing tablets or opening capsules. However, these methods often led to inconsistent dosing, resulting in under- or overdosing. To address this problem and promote adherence, numerous initiatives, and regulatory frameworks have been developed to develop more child-friendly dosage forms. In recent years, multiparticulate dosage forms such as mini-tablets, pellets, and granules have gained popularity. However, a major challenge that persists is effectively masking the bitter taste of drugs in such formulations. This review therefore provides a brief overview of the current state of the art in taste masking techniques, with a particular focus on taste masking by film coating. Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of taste masking are also discussed and commented on. Another important issue that arises frequently in this area is achieving sufficient dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. Since the simultaneous combination of sufficient dissolution and taste masking is particularly challenging, the second objective of this review is to provide a critical summary of studies dealing with multiparticulate formulations that are tackling both of these issues.
Topics: Taste; Solubility; Humans; Drug Compounding; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Dosage Forms; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Tablets; Administration, Oral; Child; Excipients; Drug Liberation
PubMed: 38815202
DOI: 10.2478/acph-2024-0015 -
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews Sep 2023Lipid-based nanocarriers have been extensively investigated for their application in drug delivery. Particularly, liposomes are now clinically established for treating... (Review)
Review
Lipid-based nanocarriers have been extensively investigated for their application in drug delivery. Particularly, liposomes are now clinically established for treating various diseases such as fungal infections. In contrast, extracellular vesicles (EVs) - small cell-derived nanoparticles involved in cellular communication - have just recently sparked interest as drug carriers but their development is still at the preclinical level. To drive this development further, the methods and technologies exploited in the context of liposome research should be applied in the domain of EVs to facilitate and accelerate their clinical translation. One of the crucial steps for EV-based therapeutics is designing them as proper dosage forms for specific applications. This review offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art polysaccharide-based hydrogel platforms designed for artificial and natural vesicles with application in drug delivery to the skin. We discuss their various physicochemical and biological properties and try to create a sound basis for the optimization of EV-embedded hydrogels as versatile therapeutic avenues.
Topics: Humans; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Carriers; Extracellular Vesicles; Hydrogels; Polysaccharides; Skin Diseases; Liposomes
PubMed: 37517778
DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115028