Current Pharmaceutical Design - Volume 32, Issue 5, 2026

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to progressive muscle degeneration, loss of ambulation, cardiomyopathy, and early mortality. While advances in multidisciplinary care and pharmacological interventions, including corticosteroids and exon-skipping therapies, have improved patient outcomes, current treatments primarily provide symptomatic relief without addressing the underlying genetic defect. Gene therapy has emerged as a promising approach to modify disease progression, particularly through the use of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated delivery of micro-dystrophin constructs. These truncated genes retain essential functional domains, enabling the restoration of dystrophin expression within the packaging limits of AAV vectors. Early-phase clinical trials have demonstrated encouraging safety profiles and transgene expression; however, challenges such as immune responses, variability in functional improvement, and long-term durability remain. Recent innovations, including optimized AAV capsids, immunomodulatory strategies, and genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, are actively being explored to overcome these barriers. Additionally, scalable vector manufacturing and the integration of real-world data are essential for broader clinical translation. This review synthesizes current advancements, clinical milestones, and future directions in gene therapy for DMD, emphasizing the need for precise dosing, long-term efficacy, and equitable access to fully realize the therapeutic potential of these evolving strategies.

Schizophrenia (SCZ) remains a captivating mental disorder marked by complex symptomatology. Despite the success of the current therapeutic options for psychosis, a definitive cure remains elusive. Hence, this review explores mechanisms underlying SCZ pathophysiology, examining their potential as novel therapeutic targets. This is a narrative review of literature that has been critically analyzed following retrieval from PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. Nearly 30% of patients of SCZ show no response to first- and second-generation antipsychotic drugs and continue to suffer from cognitive and negative symptoms, including medication-induced adverse effects. Apart from the social and environmental factors, SCZ has been strongly linked to epigenetic factors and alterations in protein expression. Epigenetic modifications include histone modification and DNA methylation. Epigenetic alterations gained through environmental factors, known as molecular scars, also influence, to some extent, the brain functions throughout the life span of a human being. Epigenetic mechanisms are now recognized as significant contributors to the development and progression of SCZ. Epigenetics is critical in SCZ etiology through DNA methylation and histone modification. Herbal medicines offer promise by targeting genetic and epigenetic pathways, albeit with safety concerns. These approaches offer potential as supplementary therapies alongside conventional treatments or alternative preventive measures. By thoroughly investigating these methods, we may uncover new possibilities in SCZ care, ultimately paving the path for more effective and holistic therapeutic approaches.

Electrospinning is an innovative process that produces polymeric fibres for a variety of purposes, including controlled hormone administration. These fibres are made from biopolymers like chitosan, cellulose, alginate, and starch, and have attracted interest for their capacity to encapsulate hormones and release them in a regulated way, therefore Increasing bioavailability and stability. The article investigates the utilization of smart electrospun fibers for hormone delivery, alongside a focus on their potential to improve therapeutic results. Electrospun fibres can encapsulate hormones such as insulin, melatonin, and contraceptives for regulated and prolonged release. This method addresses difficulties in traditional hormone delivery, like frequent insulin injections or hormone instability in biological circumstances. Techniques like coaxial electrospinning enable the development of core-shell structures, which further optimize release profiles. The use of these fibres for diabetic management, wound healing, and long-term contraception represents substantial advances in patient care. The flexibility of fibres also allows for precise regulation of drug release kinetics, which improves the efficacy of hormone therapy while reducing adverse effects. Smart electrospun food fibres have enormous promise for the future of hormone administration, providing longer-lasting, more focused, and effective therapies. Their flexibility, along with ongoing advances in electrospinning processes, positions them as a viable tool in contemporary medicine.