Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 32, Issue 15, 2026

Topical drug delivery has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional oral and parenteral routes, particularly for localized treatment and enhanced patient compliance. However, challenges such as poor drug solubility, low skin permeability, and instability of conventional formulations limit their effectiveness. To address these limitations, microemulsion-loaded hydrogels have gained significant attention as an advanced and efficient drug delivery system for topical applications. Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, clear, isotropic mixtures of oil, water, surfactant, and co-surfactant that offer improved drug solubilization and skin penetration. When incorporated into hydrogels, they combine the penetration-enhancing properties of microemulsions with the viscosity and spreadability of hydrogels, resulting in a stable, non-greasy, and easily applicable formulation. This review highlights the fundamental characteristics of microemulsion-based hydrogels, including their composition and advantages over conventional topical systems. The synergistic effect of microemulsions and hydrogels enhances the drug loading capacity, prolongs drug release, and improves bioavailability, especially for hydrophobic and poorly permeable drugs. Furthermore, these systems minimize systemic side effects and improve patient adherence due to their non-invasive nature and ease of application. The review also discusses various examples of drugs successfully delivered through this platform, including antifungals, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics. Overall, microemulsion-loaded hydrogels represent a promising and innovative approach for effective topical drug delivery. With ongoing research and formulation advancements, they hold great potential for future clinical applications in dermatology and transdermal therapy.

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) is a fruit with remarkable therapeutic potential, as each part of it- rind, peel, flesh, and seeds contain bioactive compounds. Despite its wide range of benefits, the utilization of watermelon, particularly its rind, remains limited due to a lack of awareness and an underrated perspective. The rind, situated between the green outer peel and the red flesh, is light green in color and rich in bioactive compounds, minerals, and phytochemicals. These constituents are associated with various therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, antineoplastic, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective effects. In addition to its therapeutic applications, watermelon rind offers significant commercial value in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in industrial applications such as biofuel production and eco-friendly packaging. Its versatility makes watermelon rind an exciting area of research for uncovering new applications and enhancing existing ones. However, limitations in its usage and handling need to be addressed for its broader adoption. This review comprehensively discusses the global research conducted to date on the nutritional composition, therapeutic potential, environmental impact, and commercial applications of watermelon rind. Additionally, it highlights challenges and future directions for advancing the utilization of this promising resource.

Cholelithiasis, particularly cholesterol-bearing-stones, is one of the gastrointestinal diseases representing a substantial global health burden. The five key primary factors inducing cholesterol-bearing-stones include genetics, hepatic cholesterol hypersecretion, rapid phase transition of cholesterol, gallbladder hypomotility, and specific intestinal factors. To date, laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the primary treatment approach for cholelithiasis patients. The various non-surgical methods, such as bile acid therapy, novel drug candidates, and herbal remedies, are detailed. Special attention is paid to the development of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-embedded formulations. Because the UDCA is a biopharmaceutical classification system class II drug, it poses the challenge of low aqueous solubility and thus, limited oral bioavailability. Additionally, promising developments in novel drug candidates (e.g., alirocumab), probiotics, stents, and herbal treatments with purported gallstone-dissolving properties are highlighted. The development of effective non-surgical treatments like various UDCA formulations and novel drug candidates is crucial. Additionally, the integration of herbal remedies into mainstream treatment protocols could offer significant benefits. Future research should focus on optimizing these therapies and exploring personalized treatment. Furthermore, emerging curative approaches such as gene-tailored therapy hold a future direction with a concrete perspective.

Osteoarthritis affects some joints in the body, including the hand's distal interphalangeal joints, knees, and hips. The complex disease known as degenerative osteoarthritis affects every joint in the body. Due to its limited influence on weight-bearing joints and absence of substantial extra-articular symptoms, osteoarthritis is well-suited for targeted gene therapy within the affected joints. The article discusses the field's history, the genes utilised, the techniques of gene delivery (direct vs. indirect), and the most prevalent expression vectors (viral vs. non-viral). A comprehensive literature review was conducted using reputable databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The study focused on research published over the past decade to ensure the inclusion of recent advancements. This article explores a range of gene therapy strategies developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Emphasis was placed on identifying innovative and clinically relevant approaches that have emerged in recent years. By reviewing the most current data, this work aims to provide a detailed overview of the evolving landscape of gene therapy as a potential therapeutic avenue for managing and possibly reversing osteoarthritis symptoms and progression. The goal of gene therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) is to repair damaged cartilage by introducing gene-based therapeutic agents to the affected area in a regulated, site-specific, long-term manner. The synovium and cartilage are two possible intra-articular sites for gene transfer. The most advanced gene therapy method for osteoarthritis is the local gene transfer to synovium technique. IL-1 is a key modulator of cartilage loss in OA, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) gene transfer is effective in treating OA in three animal models.