Nanoformulated Eudragit lopinavir and preliminary release of its loaded suppositories

Pre-exposure prophylactic mucoadhesive sodium alginate microsphere laden pessaries for intravaginal delivery of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

The research aimed to develop novel bioadhesive sodium alginate (Na-Alg) microspheres laden pessaries for intravaginal delivery of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), to overcome limitations of conventional dosage forms. Twelve batches of microspheres formulated by emulsification gelation method indicated that drug-polymer ratios and polymer type affected particle size, drug release, and entrapment efficiency (%EE). Microspheres of batch EH-8 with drug: polymer ratio of 1:4 containing equal amounts of Na-Alg and HPMC K100M displayed optimal %EE (62.09 ± 1.34 %) and controlled drug release (97.02 ± 4.54 % in 12 h). Particle size analysis in Matersizer indicated that microspheres (EH-8) displayed a surface-mean diameter of 11.06 ± 0.18 μm. Ex-vivo mucoadhesion studies on rabbit mucosa indicated that microspheres (EH-8) adhered well for 12 h. Microspheres integrated into pessaries displayed a sustained release profile (95.31 ± 1.37 % in 12 h) in simulated vaginal fluid. In vivo studies in rabbits indicated that pessaries displayed a significantly higher Cmax (41.18 ± 3.57 ng/mL) (P < 0.005) and reduced Tmax (1.00 ± 0.01 h) (P < 0.0001) of TDF concentrations in vaginal fluid compared to oral tablets. The microparticulate pessaries with the ability to elicit higher vaginal fluid levels in the crucial initial hours of insertion demonstrates a potential novel platform to offer better self-protection to HIV-negative women against HIV during sexual intercourse.

Superior possibilities and upcoming horizons for nanoscience in COVID-19: noteworthy approach for effective diagnostics and management of SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused great havoc and affected many parts of the world. It has imposed a great challenge to the medical and health fraternity with its ability to continue mutating and increasing the transmission rate. Some challenges include the availability of current knowledge of active drugs against the virus, mode of delivery of the medicaments, its diagnosis, which are relatively limited and do not suffice for further prognosis. One recently developed drug delivery system called nanoparticles is currently being utilized in combating COVID-19. This article highlights the existing methods for diagnosis of COVID-19 such as computed tomography scan, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, nucleic acid sequencing, immunoassay, point-of-care test, detection from breath, nanotechnology-based bio-sensors, viral antigen detection, microfluidic device, magnetic nanosensor, magnetic resonance platform and internet-of-things biosensors. The latest detection strategy based on nanotechnology, biosensor, is said to produce satisfactory results in recognizing SARS-CoV-2 virus. It also highlights the successes in the research and development of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines that are already in use. In addition, there are a number of nanovaccines and nanomedicines currently in clinical trials that have the potential to target COVID-19.

Lopinavir-menthol co-crystals for enhanced dissolution rate and intestinal absorption

Lopinavir is an antiretroviral, antiparasitic agent and recently utilized in treatment of COVID-19. Unfortunately, lopinavir exhibited poor oral bioavailability due to poor dissolution, extensive pre-systemic metabolism, and significant P-glycoprotein intestinal efflux. Accordingly, the aim was to enhance dissolution rate and intestinal absorption of lopinavir. This employed co-processing with menthol which is believed to modify crystalline structures and inhibit intestinal efflux. Lopinavir was mixed with menthol at different molar ratios before ethanol assisted kneading. Formulations were evaluated using FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and dissolution studies. Optimum ratio was utilized to assess lopinavir intestinal permeability. This employed in situ rabbit intestinal perfusion technique. FTIR, DSC and XRD indicated formation of lopinavir-menthol co-crystals at optimum molar ratio of 1:2. Additional menthol underwent phase separation due to possible self-association. Co-crystallization significantly enhanced lopinavir dissolution rate compared with pure drug to increase the dissolution efficiency from 24.96% in case of unprocessed lopinavir to 91.43% in optimum formulation. Lopinavir showed incomplete absorption from duodenum and jejuno-iliac segments with lower absorptive clearance from jejuno-ileum reflecting P-gp efflux. Co-perfusion with menthol increased lopinavir intestinal permeability. The study introduced menthol as co-crystal co-former for enhanced dissolution and augmented intestinal absorption of lopinavir.

Opportunities for enteral drug delivery for neonates, infants and toddlers: a critical exploration

INTRODUCTION

The field of neonatal, infant and toddler pharmaceutical development is constantly improving, however a lag still remains in comparison to older children and adults. Their rapid anatomical, physiological and behavioural developmental rates pose extra challenges in diagnosing, treating, or preventing their disease. In turn, this brings complexity in formulating truly age-appropriate medicinal products that suit this heterogeneous paediatric subset. Progress in the availability of such products has ensued following the introduction of the 2007 European Union Paediatric Regulation, and in recent years, oral multiparticulate and dispersible solid formulations have gained interest alongside liquid formulations. However, the need is still great for dosage forms that do not compromise on pharmaceutical efficacy, safety and global accessibility in those aged under 2.

AREAS COVERED

This article highlights some of the formulation challenges correlated with this age group and critically explores recent solid age-appropriate formulations and their administration devices for enteral drug delivery.

EXPERT OPINION

There are many formulation requirements to consider when formulating drug products for children aged under 2. Efforts are required into understanding acceptability in this age group and of their carers, and whether innovation or optimisation is required, to help guide formulators towards optimal approaches without impacting access.

A nanotechnological approach in the current therapy of COVID-19: model drug oseltamivir-phosphate loaded PLGA nanoparticles targeted with spike protein binder peptide of SARS-CoV-2

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is today's most serious epidemic disease threatening the human race. The initial therapeutic approach of SARS-CoV-2 disease is based upon the binding the receptor-binding site of the spike protein to the host cell's ACE-2 receptor on the plasma membrane. In this study, it is aimed to develop a biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric drug delivery system that is targeted to the relevant receptor binding site and provides controlled drug release. Oseltamivir phosphate (OP) is an orally administered antiviral prodrug for primary therapy of the disease in biochemically activated carboxylate form (oseltamivir carboxylate OC). In the presented study, model drug OP loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) targeted with spike-binding peptide 1 (SBP1) of SARS-CoV-2 were designed to be used as an efficient and prolonged released antiviral drug delivery system. RY, EE, and DL values of the OP-loaded NPs produced by the solvent evaporation method were calculated to be 59.3%, 61.4%, and 26.9%, respectively. The particle size of OP-loaded NPs and OP-loaded NPs targeted with SBP1 peptide were 162.0 ± 11.0 and 226.9 ± 21.4 nm, respectively. While the zeta potential of the produced OP-loaded NPs was achieved negatively -23.9 ± 1.21 mV), the result of the modification with SBP1 peptide this value approached zero as -4.59 ± 0.728 mV. Morphological features of the OP-loaded NPs were evaluated using FEG-SEM. The further characterization and surface modification of the NPs were analyzed by FT-IR.In-vitrorelease studies of NPs showed that sustained release of OP occurred for two months that fitting the Higuchi kinetic model. By evaluating these outputs, it was reported that surface modification of OP-loaded NPs was significantly effective on characteristics such as size, zeta potential values, surface functionality, and release behavior. The therapeutic model drug-loaded polymeric formulation targeted with a specific peptide may serve as an alternative to more effective and controlled release pharmaceuticals in the treatment of COVID-19 upon an extensive investigation.

Repurposed drug against COVID-19: nanomedicine as an approach for finding new hope in old medicines

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a threat to global public health. It is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and has triggered over 17 lakh causalities worldwide. Regrettably, no drug or vaccine has been validated for the treatment of COVID-19 and standard treatment for COVID-19 is currently unavailable. Most of the therapeutics moieties which were originally intended for the other disease are now being evaluated for the potential to be effective against COVID-19 (re-purpose). Nanomedicine has emerged as one of the most promising technologies in the field of drug delivery with the potential to deal with various diseases efficiently. It has addressed the limitations of traditional repurposed antiviral drugs including solubility and toxicity. It has also imparted enhanced potency and selectivity to antivirals towards viral cells. This review emphasizes the scope of repositioning of traditional therapeutic approaches, in addition to the fruitfulness of nanomedicine against COVID-19.