Recent Advances in Drug Delivery and Formulation - Online First

Substance P and its neurokinin (NK-1) receptors are upregulated in different pathophysiological conditions. Overexpression of the NK-1 receptor in cancer conditions has provided a promising pathway for cancer treatment. Clinically, Aprepitant (APT) is used as the only NK-1 antagonist in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Currently, investigations into using APT as a synergistic combination with radiation or standard chemotherapeutic drugs are underway. However, APT is categorised as a BCS Class IV drug, and therefore, solubility is one of the challenges when it must be delivered parenterally. The present review aims to understand the solubility enhancement techniques for better bioavailability.

Research and review articles were sought to understand the chemistry and solubility enhancement techniques reported for APT. Search engines such as Science Direct, PubMed, Bentham, and Google Scholar were used with the keywords “Aprepitant, solubility, NK1 receptor, parenteral dosage form.”

The review comprehensively discusses the methods to improve the solubility of APT using innovative technologies, including nanotechnology.

The review highlights the challenges associated with the use of APT in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), as well as its potential as a promising anticancer agent. While various solubility enhancement techniques can be employed for the oral administration of APT, the appropriate use of excipients and stability are essential for its safe clinical use in parenteral dosage forms.

The available solubility enhancement techniques discussed come with benefits and limitations. Fosaprepitant, a prodrug, is preferably used as an IV dosage form. Similarly, modification to a prodrug and solubility-enhancing excipients for nanoformulation can help make APT a promising therapy.

Dysphagia is a challenging medical condition that significantly affects individuals' swallowing function, quality of life, and overall well-being, especially in geriatric and pediatric populations. Sprinkle formulations are emerging as a broadly accepted solution to this challenge. However, such formulations are quite challenging to formulate as modified-release delivery systems. The present study aims to resolve this issue by formulating modified-release minitabs of the model drug etoricoxib as a sprinkle formulation.

A fabricated metal mold and punch system was used to manually manufacture minitabs with a diameter of 3.2 mm and a weight of approximately 22 mg. The formulation derived from trial batches was further optimized using a 3 × 2 complete factorial design, as implemented in Stat-Ease Design Expert 7.0 software (trial version). Independent factors HPMC K4M (X1) and K100M (X2) were optimized against dependent factors: Hardness (R1), Friability (R2), and Drug release at 2 hrs (R3), 4 hrs (R4), and 8 hrs (R5).

The derived, optimized formulation, based on a desirability function, sustained drug release for up to 8 hours and met all the acceptance criteria. The final dosage form was designed as a hard gelatin capsule filled with approximately 22 minitabs, in the form of a sprinkle formulation, to be sprinkled over soft foods for administration.

The study demonstrated that factorial design can be effectively employed to develop sprinkle minitabs with modified drug release. Using different grades of HPMC helped in controlling the drug release over time. This approach offers a promising strategy for developing patient-friendly formulations, particularly for individuals with swallowing difficulties.

As the formulation was designed using a model drug, further investigations with other drugs can also be done with relevant changes in the optimized formulation. In summary, it can also be utilized as a platform for developing modified-release sprinkle formulations of other drugs.

Onychomycosis is a frequently occurring fungal infection that affects the nails of the fingers and toes. Infection is caused by yeasts, dermatophytes, and nondermatophyte molds. Onychomycosis should be confirmed by mycology. Diagnosis can be made by various techniques, such as microscopy, fungal culture, potassium hydroxide, polymerase chain reaction, and histopathology. This review was undertaken to study the challenges associated with topical therapy of onychomycosis and techniques to overcome these challenges.

The search engines used for carrying out the literature review were PubMed, Google, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search terms employed were “topical therapies for onychomycosis”, “diagnosis of onychomycosis”, and “challenges in the treatment of onychomycosis”. The data related to topical treatments were compiled, and articles available in English language were only considered.

The main challenge associated with topical therapy was found to be the unique structure of the nails, hampering drug penetration to the infection site and inducing fungal drug resistance. Conventional treatment methods, as well as novel techniques developed for topical therapy, like microporation, ionotophoresis, laser, and photodynamic therapy, have also been explored. Oral antifungals are most commonly used for moderate to severe onychomycosis as they provide greater cure rates, whereas topical application of antifungals is advocated for mild to moderate infections as it possesses a better safety profile. Efinaconazole solution (10%), tavaborole solution (5%), and ciclopirox nail lacquer (8%) for topical use are accepted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of onychomycosis. Laser treatment is approved in the United States for the short-term improvement of clear nails in fungal infections, but the clinical outcomes have not yet reached optimal levels.

Transdermal delivery systems and wound dressings are essential components of modern healthcare, with ongoing efforts focused on enhancing their efficacy, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Among emerging innovations, natural compounds, particularly those derived from plants, have shown great promise. Isoquinoline Quaternary Alkaloids (IQAs) are one such class of compounds with notable therapeutic properties, warranting exploration for advanced wound care applications.

This review investigates the design, fabrication techniques, and therapeutic potential of IQA-based nano dressings. It also provides a comparative analysis of these novel systems against conventional wound care methods to assess their advantages and clinical relevance.

Dissolving IQA nano dressings exhibit transformative potential in chronic wound management. Their intrinsic properties, such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, biocompatibility, and sustained drug release, support enhanced wound healing and reduced treatment burden.

Compared to traditional approaches, IQA nano dressings offer improved outcomes and patient compliance, positioning them as a potential paradigm shift in wound care. By integrating nanotechnology with the unique pharmacological attributes of IQAs, these nano dressings demonstrate significant promise in promoting tissue regeneration while minimizing dressing frequency. This innovation holds the potential to revolutionize chronic wound treatment through safer, more effective, and patient-friendly therapeutic strategies.

The Musa genus, which includes bananas and plantains, offers a natural source of polymers. These polymers are finding applications in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, where they are used as drug delivery systems. Additionally, Musa species are used in the creation of biopolymer composites, which are eco-friendly materials, and in the production of nanocellulose, a nanomaterial with promising properties. The versatility of Musa species makes it a valuable resource for developing sustainable materials and exploring new applications. This review aims to highlight recent advances in the applications of bio-polymers, biocomposites, nanocellulose, and novel drug delivery systems using Musa species.

The review likely examines existing literature, research studies, and experimental findings related to Musa species. It may analyze the characterization, treatment, and fabrication techniques of Musa species for these applications.

The multifaceted role of Musa species is emphasized, including its contribution to pharmaceutical advancements, eco-friendly polymer production, and innovative nanocellulose applications.

In summary, this review paper explores how Musa species can be harnessed for various technological and scientific purposes, particularly in the fields of biopolymers, biocomposites, and drug delivery systems. The tropical plant’s versatility and significance are underscored throughout the review.