Recent Advances in Drug Delivery and Formulation - Online First

ADHD is a common condition that affects many kids in the United States, about 2 to 18 percent of children between 6 and 17 years old. ADHD manifests as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, impacting various aspects of life. Effective management involves a combination of psychostimulant medication, such as methylphenidate, and behavioral therapy. Modified-release formulations, including chewable tablets, transdermal patches, and osmotic-controlled release tablets, offer improved treatment adherence and overall quality of life. Understanding the pathophysiology involves neuroimaging studies that reveal alterations in brain regions rich in dopamine receptors. Methylphenidate, a common ADHD medication, works by inhibiting dopamine reuptake, thereby increasing extracellular dopamine levels. Different drug delivery systems, such as extended-release chewable tablets, transdermal patches, and OROS formulations, provide diverse options for individual needs. The advent of innovative formulations like methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release oral suspension (Quillivant ER) and methylphenidate hydrochloride multilayer extended-release capsules (Aptensio XR) addresses challenges in pediatric medication administration. Recent additions like the orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla X-ODT) offer convenience and flexibility. Understanding the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and benefits of these formulations enhances the ability to tailor ADHD treatment to individual patient needs.

Modern technologies such as nanotechnology are being applied in almost every sector to deliver affordable, environmentally friendly products. The integration of nanotechnology in medicine has revolutionized drug delivery systems, with nanotechnology emerging as a promising frontier. This review explores the synthesis and characterization of nanotablet drug formulations designed to enhance their potential across various applications. By employing characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and physisorption analysis, researchers have developed innovative drug delivery systems like Sophora Alopecuroides nanotablets to treat deadly diseases such as cancer. Evaluation of pre- and post-compression results indicated that nanotablets exhibited good hardness and flow properties, making these formulations potential drug delivery systems for enhanced bioavailability and sustained release properties. Specifically, sublingual sufentanil nanotablets, such as Zalviso^®, have demonstrated efficacy in managing moderate to severe pain in healthcare settings when used in conjunction with a PCA device. However, recent regulatory updates indicate changes in the marketing authorization status of Zalviso^®. In conclusion, this novel approach for synthesizing nanotablets presents a promising avenue for diverse applications, and based on the results, it is worth considering for future work.

Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) have emerged as a focal point of research and development, attracting substantial attention due to their potential to revolutionize oral drug administration. Their ability to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of orally administered medications, particularly those with narrow absorption windows or susceptible to gastrointestinal degradation, has spurred considerable interest. By extending gastric residence time, GRDDS offers a pathway to optimize drug absorption while minimizing dosing frequency, thereby improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse array of gastroretentive drug delivery approaches, providing in-depth insights into their classification, mechanisms of retention, recent innovations with patented technologies, and existing marketed formulations of the domain. Furthermore, it meticulously examines the challenges inherent in GRDDS implementation and elucidates effective strategies to surmount them. From novel formulation techniques to ingenious drug-carrier systems, this review explores the multifaceted landscape of GRDDS development, shedding light on promising avenues for future research and development. By advancing current knowledge and anticipating future trends, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical professionals navigating the dynamic terrain of gastroretentive drug delivery.