Exemestane Loaded Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SMEDDS): Development and Optimization

The purpose of this research work was to formulate and characterize self-micro emulsifying drug delivery system containing exemestane. The solubility of exemestane was determined in various vehicles. Pseudo ternary phase diagram was used to evaluate the micro-emulsification existence area. SMEDDS formulations were tested for micro-emulsifying properties, and the resultant formulations loaded with exemestane (ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4 and ME5) were investigated for clarity, phase separation, globule size and shape, zeta potential, effect of various diluents and dilutions, thermodynamic and thermal stability. From the results it is concluded that increase in droplet size is proportional to the concentration of oil in SMEDDS formulation. Minor difference in the droplet size and zeta potential was observed by varying the diluents (deionized water and 0.1 N HCl) and dilutions (1:10, 1:50 and 1:100). Formulations, which were found to be thermodynamically stable (ME1, ME2, ME3 and ME4), were subjected to stability studies as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. No significant variations were observed in the formulations over a period of 3 months at accelerated and long-term conditions. TEM photographs of microemulsions formulations further conformed the spherical shape of globules. Among the various SMEDDS formulations, ME4 offer the advantages of good clarity systems at high oil content and thus offer good solubilization of exemestane. Thus this study indicates that the SMEDDS can be used as a potential drug carrier for dissolution enhancement of exemestane and other lipophilic drug(s)

Anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2018

: Anemia is a globally widespread condition in women and is associated with reduced economic productivity and increased mortality worldwide. Here we map annual 2000-2018 geospatial estimates of anemia prevalence in women of reproductive age (15-49 years) across 82 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stratify anemia by severity and aggregate results to policy-relevant administrative and national levels. Additionally, we provide subnational disparity analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of anemia prevalence inequalities within these countries and predict progress toward the World Health Organization's Global Nutrition Target (WHO GNT) to reduce anemia by half by 2030. Our results demonstrate widespread moderate improvements in overall anemia prevalence but identify only three LMICs with a high probability of achieving the WHO GNT by 2030 at a national scale, and no LMIC is expected to achieve the target in all their subnational administrative units. Our maps show where large within-country disparities occur, as well as areas likely to fall short of the WHO GNT, offering precision public health tools so that adequate resource allocation and subsequent interventions can be targeted to the most vulnerable populations

Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1–4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5–8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 × 5-km2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children