Orodispersible Films—Current State of the Art, Limitations, Advances and Future Perspectives

Orodispersible Films (ODFs) are drug delivery systems manufactured with a wide range of methods on a big scale or for customized medicines and small-scale pharmacy. Both ODFs and their fabrication methods have certain limitations. Many pharmaceutical companies and academic research centers across the world cooperate in order to cope with these issues and also to find new formulations for a wide array of APIs what could make their work profitable for them and beneficial for patients as well. The number of pending patent applications and granted patents with their innovative approaches makes the progress in the manufacturing of ODFs unquestionable. The number of commercially available ODFs is still growing. However, some of them were discontinued and are no longer available on the markets. This review aims to summarize currently marketed ODFs and those withdrawn from sale and also provides an insight into recently published studies concerning orodispersible films, emphasizing of utilized APIs. The work also highlights the attempts of scientific communities to overcome ODF’s manufacturing methods limitations

Orodispersible Films—Current State of the Art, Limitations, Advances and Future Perspectives

Orodispersible Films (ODFs) are drug delivery systems manufactured with a wide range of methods on a big scale or for customized medicines and small-scale pharmacy. Both ODFs and their fabrication methods have certain limitations. Many pharmaceutical companies and academic research centers across the world cooperate in order to cope with these issues and also to find new formulations for a wide array of APIs what could make their work profitable for them and beneficial for patients as well. The number of pending patent applications and granted patents with their innovative approaches makes the progress in the manufacturing of ODFs unquestionable. The number of commercially available ODFs is still growing. However, some of them were discontinued and are no longer available on the markets. This review aims to summarize currently marketed ODFs and those withdrawn from sale and also provides an insight into recently published studies concerning orodispersible films, emphasizing of utilized APIs. The work also highlights the attempts of scientific communities to overcome ODF’s manufacturing methods limitations

Towards the Preparation of a Hydrogel from Lyophilisates of the Aloe arborescens Aqueous Extract

Aloe gel is a medicinal raw material with proven pharmacological activity. The health-promoting properties of other species of Aloe upon topical application prompted us to develop a formulation for the topical application of A. arborescence species. As a result of the gel preparation from the aqueous lyophilized extracts of three-year-old leaves of A. arborescence, no changes in the composition of the content of aloins A and aloenin A were found. The potential to neutralize free radicals was tested using DPPH and CUPRAC techniques, which confirmed the anti-radical activity of the lyophilisate. Screening of the inhibition of enzymes, the hyperactivity of which is associated with adverse changes in the skin of a pro-inflammatory nature, was performed. Importantly, using the PAMPA SKIN model, the possibility of the penetration of selected extract compounds (aloin A and aloenin A) through the skin was proven. Then, two formulations were prepared based on sodium alginate and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and the hydrogels were characterized (rheological analysis, drug release profiles, permeability, and stability studies). HPMC-based hydrogel was the one with a targeted release of active substances and greater stability. Aloe arborescens hydrogel matrices seem to be a promising treatment strategy for inflammatory surface damage based on “green technology” at the stage of extract preparation and development of the drug form for topical application

ENCAPSULATION OF ROXITHROMYCIN INTO GELLAN GUM MATRICES AND THE IMPACT OF OTHER NATURAL POLYMERS ON DRUG RELEASE

The aim of the work was to investigate the properties of polysaccharide matrices loaded with roxithromycin (ROX), made on the basis of low-acyl gellan and its blends with sodium alginate, pectin, karaya gum, methycellulose and κ-carageenan. The obtained formulations were investigated as potential oral dosage forms with the ability to protect it from the acidic conditions of the stomach. Another desired feature of the obtained systems was the sustained release of the active ingredient allowing for potential shifting the therapeutic effect to the colon. The morphology of the matrices was evaluated with optical and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis were performed for ROX, polymers, ROX/polymers physical mixtures and the matrices. Next, the swelling behavior was examined. The matrices were evaluated for ROX content and encapsulation efficiency. The last stage concerned the drug release studies. All matrices after production revealed more or less oval shape with visible deformation most probably occurring during drying. Raman analysis and DSC confirmed the crystalline form of ROX and showed no evidence of interactions between the drug and the excipients. It was shown that the matrices containing gellan combined with methylcellulose or κ-carageenan at pH=7.4 released ROX slower than the other matrices which might be promising in terms of colonic drug delivery. Moreover, the polymer matrices remained physically stable at acidic pH similar to the environment of the stomach. However, in these conditions drug degradation was observed which indicates the necessity to further modify the applied technology

Microemulsion-Based Media in Nose-to-Brain Drug Delivery

Nose-to-brain drug delivery has recently attracted enormous attention as an alternative to other delivery routes, including the most popular oral one. Due to the unique anatomical features of the nasal cavity, drugs administered intranasally can be delivered directly to the central nervous system. The most important advantage of this approach is the ability to avoid the blood–brain barrier surrounding the brain and blocking the entry of exogenous substances to the central nervous system. Moreover, selective brain targeting could possibly avoid peripheral side effects of pharmacotherapy. The challenges associated with nose-to-brain drug delivery are mostly due to the small volume of the nasal cavity and insufficient drug absorption from nasal mucosa. These issues could be minimized by using a properly designed drug carrier. Microemulsions as potential drug delivery systems offer good solubilizing properties and the ability to enhance drug permeation through biological membranes. The aim of this review is to summarize the current status of the research focused on microemulsion-based systems for nose-to-brain delivery with special attention to the most extensively investigated neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and schizophrenia

Perception of Polish pharmacy students on simulation exercise in pharmaceutical care for diabetes—a pilot study

Abstract Background The transformation of a pharmacist’s role from that of a drug dispenser to an advisor and patient educator, partially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, requires a thorough change in the pharmacy curriculum. Preparation for the provision of modern pharmaceutical services requires the use of the most advanced teaching methods, such as pharmaceutical simulation. Knowledge alone does not guarantee students’ readiness and motivation to take on new challenges in their professional work, but it seems crucial that graduates of medical faculties have the ability to practically apply their knowledge, including in new and nonstandard situations. Therefore, in our study, we proposed an intervention using a simulation method (peer role play) in teaching pharmaceutical care, and we assessed its impact on students’ levels of self-perceived confidence and self-efficacy in accordance with Bandura’s theory. The aim of the study was to verify whether the introduction of these types of classes could be a useful element of pharmacy curriculum renewal. Methods The questionnaire-based study was conducted during pharmaceutical care peer role-playing classes in a simulation environment with a debriefing session among 85 final-year pharmacy students at Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland. The questionnaire consisted of two surveys: the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and a pre-post self-assessment and self-efficacy questionnaire. Results There was a positive correlation between the GSE score and self-efficacy (R = 0.52, p < 0.0001). A statistically significant increase in the post-self-assessment of all the skills and competencies included in the survey in the field of pharmaceutical care of a patient with diabetes compared to the pre-values was also observed (p < 0.001). Additionally, the students’ self-efficacy in terms of communicating with patients was greater following the class than before the class (p < 0.001). Conclusions The peer role-play active teaching method was found to be a cost-effective method allowing for an increase in the self-assessment and self-efficacy of pharmacy students in diabetic patient pharmaceutical care. However, further in-depth research is needed to fully confirm the effectiveness of simulation exercises for teaching pharmacy undergraduates

Phototoxic or Photoprotective?—Advances and Limitations of Titanium (IV) Oxide in Dermal Formulations—A Review

The widespread role of titanium (IV) oxide (TiO2) in many industries makes this substance of broad scientific interest. TiO2 can act as both a photoprotector and photocatalyst, and the potential for its role in both applications increases when present in nanometer-sized crystals. Its sunlight-scattering properties are used extensively in sunscreens. Furthermore, attempts have been made to incorporate TiO2 into dermal formulations of photolabile drugs. However, the propensity to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) rendering this material potentially cytotoxic limits its role. Therefore, modifications of TiO2 nanoparticles (e.g., its polymorphic form, size, shape, and surface modifications) are used in an effort to reduce its photocatalytic effects. This review provides an overview of the potential risks arising from and opportunities presented by the use of TiO2 in skin care formulations

Geometrical Accuracy and Strength of Micro-Needles Made of Polylactide by Fused Filament Fabrication Method

Additive manufacturing is a technology that can be successfully used in pharmacy and medicine. One of the examples of products that can be additively manufactured are microneedle systems. The specificity of these products, which are used for transdermal drug delivery, makes additive manufacturing a perfect choice for related research. However, the dimensions of microneedles usually do not exceed 2 mm, which means that manufacturing them using the most widely available additive manufacturing method, Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), is problematic. In this study, the authors decided to investigate the possibilities of manufacturing microneedle systems using the FDM method in such a way as to minimize or exclude the need for post-processing. Five types of microneedle geometries were tested in four sizes, examining how changing the values of FDM process parameters would affect the accuracy of reproducing the digital geometry of the microneedles. From the point of view of the application of microneedle systems, it is not only necessary to obtain the designed shape of the microneedles, but also to maintain their appropriate strength. The study presents the results of the bending and compression strength of microneedles made of polylactic acid

Polish Pharmacy Students&rsquo; Attitudes toward Undergraduate Teaching and Practical Implementation of Pharmaceutical Care&mdash;A Cross Sectional Study

It is necessary to monitor and adapt pharmacy curricula to make graduates ready to effectively meet the health needs of the society. Therefore, the aim of the study was to obtain Polish final year pharmacy students&rsquo; opinions on the activities related to pharmaceutical care (PC) andtheir perception of PC. Two questionnaires were used: one evaluating a PC regarding classes and in practice (n = 64), and the other on the assessment of existing educational solutions in the field of professional counseling (n = 118). Statistical analysis showed that the students agreed that there are not enough hours of a PC classes, since these are necessary to enable them to provide PC services in the future (R = 0.05, p = 0.0007). In previous classes, teachers&rsquo; knowledge was rated the highest on a five-point scale (4.74), and role play (3.92) and the duration of the classes (3.77) were rated the lowest. Although the students were aware of the role of a PC in the work of a pharmacist, they indicated that more extensive use of active learning methods would better prepare them for the profession. Therefore, pharmacy students&rsquo; self-efficacy survey and a curriculum renewal would be recommended in Poland