Budding Multi-matrix Technology-a Retrospective Approach, Deep Insights, and Future Perspectives

MMX mesalamine in ulcerative colitis: Major advantages towards classical mesalamine formulations

Medical therapy is the cornerstone of ulcerative colitis (UC) management and aims to induce and maintain remission. In case of mild-to-moderate UC, mesalamine (5-ASA) is the first-line option. 5-ASA requires local release at the level of the inflamed mucosa to exert its therapeutic action. While rectal preparations are useful in distal colitis, in cases of UC of at least rectosigmoid extent, guidelines suggest the association of oral and rectal 5-ASA. Mesalamine with Multi Matrix System® technology (MMX mesalamine) is an oral, high-strength (1.2 g/tablet), once-daily formulation of 5-ASA, designed to provide delayed and prolonged release throughout the entire colon. Clinical trials demonstrated a strong efficacy in inducing and maintaining clinical and endoscopic remission in active mild-to-moderate UC. The efficacy is related to specific colonic drug-delivery, to its high-dosage and once-daily administration, thus improving patients' adherence and outcomes. The specific colonic-delivery is also associated with very low rates of systemic absorption and adverse events (AEs). With this comprehensive review we aimed to summarize current knowledge on MMX mesalamine in mild-to-moderate UC, in terms of clinical pharmacology, efficacy and safety, also compared to other 5-ASA products. In addition we provided an expert opinion on the topic, examining the implications on clinical practice.

Management and treatment optimization of patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a significant health-care burden worldwide. While medical therapy aims to induce and maintain remission, optimal management of mild to moderate UC remains challenging due to heterogeneity in severity classifications and non-standardized approaches. This comprehensive review summarizes current evidence and knowledge gaps to optimize clinical decision-making in patients with mild to moderate UC.

AREAS COVERED

After an extensive literature search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase through August 2023, we provide an overview of definitions utilized to characterize mild to moderate UC severity and established therapeutic targets. Current medical treatments including mesalazine formulations, corticosteroids, and their combinations are surveyed. The role of emerging intestinal ultrasound, telemedicine, and home testing is explored. Individualized, patient-centered paradigms aiming to streamline care delivery through proactive identification of relapses are also examined.

EXPERT OPINION

Addressing inconsistencies in disease activity stratification will better align tailored regimens with each patient's profile. Advancing noninvasive technologies like ultrasound criteria and home testing could improve UC management by enabling personalized models. Realizing individualized plans through informed shared-decision making between health-care providers and fully engaged patients holds promise to maximize quality of life outcomes. Continuous improvement relies on innovation bridging different domains to overcome current limitations and push the field toward more predictive and tailored care.

Chitosan functionalized PCL Nanoparticles Bearing Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Osimertinib Mesylate for Effective Lung Cancer Therapy

Lung cancer ranks second position among the cancer-related deaths. Osimertinib mesylate (OSM) is a tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor which can effectively treat NSCLC, but still there are certain limitations and side effects which could be circumvented by polymeric nanoparticles approach. Hence, this research was aimed to develop drug-loaded biodegradable poly caprolactone nanoparticles (PCL-NPs) such as OSM-loaded PCL-NPs (PCL-OSM-NPs) and chitosan fabricated OSM-loaded PCL-NPs (CS-PCL-OSM-NPs) to achieve active-targeting of OSM in the cancerous lung tissue. Thus CS-PCL-OSM-NPs enhances the anticancer efficacy due to active targeting nature and thereby reduces off-target side effects of OSM in the NSCLC treatment.Blank PCL-NPs, PCL-OSM-NPs, and CS-PCL-OSM-NPs were prepared by nanoprecipitation method. Optimized blank PCL-NPs, PCL-OSM-NPs, and CS-PCL-OSM-NPs exhibited the mean particle size of 90.2 ± 4.7nm, 167.7 ± 2.9nm, and 233.7 ± 4.8nm respectively. The %EE of PCL-OSM-NPs was found to be 68.4 ± 3.2%. In-vitro drug release study demonstrated sustained release profile of 69.5 ± 5% and 65.7 ± 1.5% for OSM from both the PCL-OSM-NPs and CS-PCL-OSM-NPs respectively. The PCL-OSM-NPs and CS-PCL-OSM-NPs demonstrated the inhibition of 82.2 ± 0.5% and 81.9 ± 0.2% in A549 cancer cells respectively which clearly signified the improved efficacy. Moreover, the PCL-OSM-NPs and CS-PCL-OSM-NPs exhibited significantly less haemolysis than OSM indicating safety of the formulation.These findings indicate that biohaemocompatibe CS-PCL-OSM-NPs is an attractive option to treat NSCLC with enhanced anticancer activity and reduced side effects.