Advancements in transdermal drug delivery: A comprehensive review of physical penetration enhancement techniques

Transdermal drug administration has grown in popularity in the pharmaceutical research community due to its potential to improve drug bioavailability, compliance among patients, and therapeutic effectiveness. To overcome the substantial barrier posed by the stratum corneum (SC) and promote drug absorption within the skin, various physical penetration augmentation approaches have been devised. This review article delves into popular physical penetration augmentation techniques, which include sonophoresis, iontophoresis, magnetophoresis, thermophoresis, needle-free injection, and microneedles (MNs) Sonophoresis is a technique that uses low-frequency ultrasonic waves to break the skin's barrier characteristics, therefore improving drug transport and distribution. In contrast, iontophoresis uses an applied electric current to push charged molecules of drugs inside the skin, effectively enhancing medication absorption. Magnetophoresis uses magnetic fields to drive drug carriers into the dermis, a technology that has shown promise in aiding targeted medication delivery. Thermophoresis is the regulated heating of the skin in order to improve drug absorption, particularly with thermally sensitive drug carriers. Needle-free injection technologies, such as jet injectors (JIs) and microprojection arrays, offer another option by producing temporary small pore sizes in the skin, facilitating painless and effective drug delivery. MNs are a painless, minimally invasive method, easy to self-administration, as well as high drug bioavailability. This study focuses on the underlying processes, current breakthroughs, and limitations connected with all of these approaches, with an emphasis on their applicability in diverse therapeutic areas. Finally, a thorough knowledge of these physical enhancement approaches and their incorporation into pharmaceutical research has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, providing more efficient and secure treatment choices for a wide range of health-related diseases.

Nano Methotrexate versus Methotrexate in Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nanomedicine has emerged as an important approach for targeting RA medication. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a widespread autoimmune disorder marked by multiple inflamed joints. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been demonstrated as efficacious nanocarriers due to their unique characteristics and the relative simplicity of their synthesis in varied sizes; moreover, they have the capability to alleviate several inflammatory markers. The current objective was to combine methotrexate (MTX) with GNPs to overcome MTX restrictions. GNPs were fabricated by a chemical reduction technique, utilizing sodium citrate and tween 20. The MTX-GNPs formulations were characterized in vitro by % entrapment efficiency (%EE), particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) zeta potential, and % release. The MTX-GNPs formulation was administrated as an intra-articular solution, and additionally, incorporated into a Carbopol gel to investigate its anti-arthritic effectiveness and bioavailability in vivo. The results indicated that a %EE of 87.53 ± 1.10%, and a particle size of 60.62 ± 2.41 nm with a PDI of 0.31 ± 0.03, and a zeta potential of −27.80 ± 0.36 mV were optimal. The in vitro release of MTX from the MTX-GNPs formulation demonstrated that the MTX-GNPs formulation’s release was 34.91 ± 1.96% and considerably (p < 0.05) lower than that of free MTX, showing a significant difference in dissolution patterns (p < 0.05). In vivo, MTX-GNPs formulations inhibited IL-6 by 36.52%, ACCP (63.25 %), COMP (28.16%), and RANKL (63.67%), as well as elevated IL-10 by 190.18%. Transdermal MTX-GNPs decreased IL-6 by 22.52%, ACCP (56.63%), COMP (52.64%), and RANKL (79.5%), as well as increased IL-10 by 168.37%. Histological investigation supported these recent findings. Conclusions: Marked improvements in MTX anti-arthritic effects are seen when it is conjugated to GNPs.

Hydrogels for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a universal disease that severely affects the normal function of human joints and the quality of life. Millions of people around the world are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis every year, carrying a substantial burden for both the individual and society. Hydrogel is a polymer material with good mechanical properties and biocompatibility, which shows great potential in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. With the progress of tissue engineering and biomedical material technology in recent years, more and more studies focus on the application of hydrogels in rheumatoid arthritis. We reviewed the progress of hydrogels applied in rheumatoid arthritis in recent years. Also, the needed comprehensive performance and current applications of therapeutic hydrogels based on the complex pathophysiological characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis are also concluded. Additionally, we proposed the challenges and difficulties in the application of hydrogels in rheumatoid arthritis and put forward some prospects for the future research.

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Methotrexate-Loaded Electrospun Patch to Alleviate Psoriasis Plaques

OBJECTIVE

To achieve an effective topical formulation of Methotrexate (MTX) as a first-line treatment of psoriasis, we formulated three MTX-loaded electrospun nanofibrous patches composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), Eudragit L100, and a mixture of them.

SIGNIFICANCE

Topical delivery of MTX provides an appropriate therapeutic performance while circumventing the life-threatening side effects of systemic administration.

METHODS

Three MTX-loaded electrospun nanofibrous patches were prepared and characterized in terms of size and morphology (using SEM), thermal behavior (by TGA and DSC), and crystalline structure (using XRD). Furthermore, the wettability and mechanical strength of samples were investigated through water contact angle and tensile strength tests. Also, the encapsulation efficiency of MTX was calculated. Subsequently, in vitro drug release profile of each formulation was obtained and different kinetic models were fitted to achieve the best-matched model. Accordingly, the ex vivo skin permeation of MTX was studied for the optimum formulation.

RESULTS

All samples showed appropriate morphology, thermal behavior, and encapsulation efficiency. Also, XRD results showed that MTX is dispersed within the polymeric matrices in the amorphous state (with no crystalline region). Release studies demonstrated that MTX-loaded Eudragit L100-PCL formulation outperformed in terms of mechanical behavior and in vitro drug release. This formulation also exhibited better skin permeation.

CONCLUSION

The obtained controlled-release MTX-loaded electrospun patches seem promising to provide a long-acting topical treatment of psoriatic plaques with minimized systemic side effects.

Recent advances on transdermal delivery systems for the treatment of arthritic injuries: From classical treatment to nanomedicines

Arthritic injuries happen frequently during a lifetime due to accidents, sports, aging, diseases, etc. Such injuries can be cartilage/bone injuries, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, inflammation, pain, and/or synovitis. Oral and injective administration of therapeutics are typically used but cause many side effects. Transdermal administration is an alternative route for safe and efficient delivery. Transdermal formulations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been available on market for years and show promising efficacy in pain relieving, inflammation alleviation, infection control, and so on. Innovative transdermal patches, gels/films, and microneedles have also been widely explored as formulations to deliver therapeutics to combat arthritic injuries. However, transdermal formulations that halt disease progression and promote damage repair are translated slowly from lab bench to clinical applications. One major reason is that the skin barrier and synovial capsule barrier limit the efficacy of transdermal delivery. Recently, many nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles, nanolipids, nanoemulsions, nanocrystals, exosomes, etc., have been incorporated into transdermal formulations to advance drug delivery. The combined transdermal formulations show promising safety and efficacy. Therefore, this review will focus on stating the current development of nanomedicine-based transdermal formulations for the treatment of arthritic injuries. The advances, limitations, and future perspectives in this field will also be provided to inspire future studies and accelerate clinical translational studies. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures.

Recent Advances of Microneedles and Their Application in Disease Treatment

For decades, scientists have been doing a lot of research and exploration to find effective long-term analgesic and/or disease-modifying treatments. Microneedles (MNs) are a simple, effective, and painless transdermal drug delivery technology that has emerged in recent years, and exhibits great promise for realizing intelligent drug delivery. With the development of materials science and fabrication technology, the MN transdermal drug delivery technology has been applied and popularized in more and more fields, including chronic illnesses such as arthritis or diabetes, cancer, dermatocosmetology, family planning, and epidemic disease prevention, and has made fruitful achievements. This paper mainly reviews the latest research status of MNs and their fabrication methodology, and summarizes the application of MNs in the treatment of various diseases, as well as the potential to use nanotechnology to develop more intelligent MNs-based drug delivery systems.

Transdermal release of methotrexate by cationic starch/poly(vinyl alcohol)-based films as an approach for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Methotrexate (MTX) is a common drug used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment; however, a series of adverse effects associated with its oral or subcutaneous administration is reported. Transdermal delivery of MTX is an alternative to abate these issues, and the use of drug delivery systems (DDS) based on polymeric films presents an impressive potential for this finality. Based on this, in this study, we report the preparation of films made by cationic starch (CSt), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and chondroitin sulfate (ChS) to incorporate and release MTX, as well as the in vivo evaluation in model of rheumatoid arthritis in mice. CSt/PVA and CSt/PVA/ChS-based films (with and without MTX) were prepared using a simple protocol under mild conditions. The films loaded with 5 w/w-% of MTX exhibited appreciable drug loading efficiency and distribution. The MTX permeation through the layers of porcine skin demonstrated that most of the drug permeated was detected in the medium, suggesting that the formulation can provide a systemic absorption of the MTX. In vivo studies performed in an arthritis-induced model in mice demonstrated that the MTX-loaded films were able to treat and attenuate the symptoms and the biochemical alterations related to RA (inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and nociceptive behaviors). Besides, the pharmacological activity of MTX transdermally delivery by the CSt/PVA and CSt/PVA/ChS films was comparable to the MTX orally administered. Based on these results, it can be inferred that both films are prominent materials for incorporation and transdermal delivery of MTX in a practical and non-invasive manner.

Strategies for transdermal drug delivery against bone disorders: A preclinical and clinical update

The transdermal drug delivery system is an exceptionally safe and well-tolerable therapeutic approach that has immense potential for delivering active components against bone-related pathologies. However, its use is limited in the current clinical practices due to the low skin permeability of most active drugs in the formulation. Thus, innovations in the methodologies of skin permeation enhancement techniques are suggested to overcome this limitation. Although various transdermal drug delivery systems are studied to date, there are insufficient studies comparing the therapeutic efficacy of transdermal delivery systems to oral delivery systems. Thus, creating a decision-making dilemma between oral or transdermal therapies. Therefore, a timely review is inevitable to develop a platform for future researchers to develop next-generation transdermal drug delivery strategies against skeletal diseases that must be convenient and cost-effective for the patients with improved therapeutic efficacy. Here, we will outline the most recent strategies that can overcome the choice limitation of the drug and enhance the transdermal adsorption of various types of drugs to treat bone disorders. For the first time, in this review paper, we will highlight the preclinical and clinical studies on the different transdermal delivery methods. Thus, providing insight into the current therapeutic approaches and suggesting new directions for the advancements in transdermal drug delivery systems against bone disorders.

Recent trends, challenges and future outlook of transdermal drug delivery systems for rheumatoid arthritis therapy

At present, several drug molecules have been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the utilization of these compounds through the oral and parenteral route is limited due to low bioavailability, rapid metabolism, poor absorption, first-pass effect, and serious adverse effects. A transdermal delivery system is an appealing option in this scenario, as it possesses the proficiency to overcome drawbacks associated with the oral and parenteral route. With the innovation of several enhancement strategies, many therapeutic agents have been administered transdermally, proposing an exceptional approach to treat RA. The present article provides an insight into the etiology and pathophysiology of RA. The challenges of the transdermal route and the strategies to improve those problems are described. The current advances in increasing the transdermal efficiency of the therapeutics against RA are discussed. Limitations and advantages regarding the state of the art transdermal delivery system and future outlook are also summarized.

Localised and sustained intradermal delivery of methotrexate using nanocrystal-loaded microneedle arrays: Potential for enhanced treatment of psoriasis

Methotrexate (MTX), typically used as its sodium salt (MTX Na), is a first-line treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis, showing good efficacy. However, its systemic administration is associated with many side effects. Intradermal delivery into psoriatic tissue could offer an alternative approach. However, successful intradermal administration of MTX Na is currently precluded by its physicochemical properties. Moreover, due to its hydrophilic nature, MTX Na is swiftly cleared from the target tissue, necessitating frequent dosing which may affect patient compliance. To address these limitations, we investigated the combination of nanocrystal (NC) and dissolving microneedle (MN) technologies as an alternative approach for localised and sustained intradermal delivery of MTX Na. Poorly water-soluble MTX nanocrystals (MTX NC) were produced by a bottom-up technique with a mean particle size of 678 ± 15 nm. Sustained in vitro drug release was observed over 72 h. The MTX NC were then incorporated into the shafts of dissolving MN arrays with a drug loading of 2.48 mg/array. The MTX NC-loaded MN arrays exhibited satisfactory mechanical strength and insertion capabilities in the skin-simulant Parafilm M® and their shafts dissolved entirely in less than 20 min after insertion into excised neonatal porcine skin. Importantly, in vivo studies in Sprague Dawley rats revealed that the MN arrays were able to deposit approximately 25.1% of the loaded MTX NC in the skin, which acted, in turn, as a drug depot and released the MTX in a sustained manner over 72 h, while minimising MTX systemic exposure. Indeed, 24 h from MN application, 312.70 ± 161.95 µg/g of MTX was retained in the skin at the application site. This was approximately 322-fold higher than the amount of MTX (0.942 ± 0.59 µg/g) retained in the skin after oral administration of MTX Na. Interestingly, even after 72 h after MN application, around 12.5% of the MTX NC deposited in the skin by the MN was retained. In contrast, the maximal blood concentration of MTX achieved following MN application, was only 40% of that measured after oral administration of MTX Na. Accordingly, MTX NC-loaded dissolving MN arrays could be a promising approach for effective localised and sustained intradermal delivery of MTX as a potential enhanced treatment for psoriasis.

Hyaluronic Acid-Based Dissolving Microneedle Patch Loaded with Methotrexate for Improved Treatment of Psoriasis

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the first-line treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis, while the side effects caused by injection and oral administration of MTX greatly restrict its clinical application. Transdermal drug delivery offers a desirable alternative to the conventional approaches, but the performances of the currently available skin penetration enhancement techniques are not so satisfactory. To address these limitations, we developed a dissolving microneedle (MN) patch made of hyaluronic acid (HA) with excellent water solubility, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. The amount of MTX encapsulated in the needles of the patch could be controlled during the fabrication process for precise dosage. Interestingly, the MTX-loaded MNs successfully penetrated imiquimod (IMQ)-induced thickened epidermis in mice and delivered the drug intralesionally. Meanwhile, fast dissolution of HA endowed the MNs with operability for patients. We found that the MTX-loaded MNs not only showed well-maintained inhibitory effect in vitro but also alleviated the psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice. Moreover, the MTX-loaded MNs were significantly more efficacious than taking the same dose of drug orally. Consequently, a higher oral dose of MTX was required for a comparable amelioration, which in turn increased its systemic toxicity. Taken together, the proposed MTX-loaded dissolving MN patch strategy provides a new opportunity for efficient and safe treatment of psoriasis.

Development, characterization and evaluation of topical methotrexate-entrapped deformable liposome on imiquimod-induced psoriasis in a mouse model

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize topical methotrexate (MTX) with different percentages (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5%) entrapped in deformable liposomes using phosphatidylcholine and oleic acid. The effectiveness and sub-acute toxicity of these topical formulations were investigated in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis in a mouse model (IMQP). The particle sizes of formulations were around 100 nm with a mean zeta potential of -72.87 mV. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of MTX in liposomal formulations were more than 85%. Franz cell permeability studies indicated that permeation of MTX through the healthy BALB/c mice skin is very low; however, in the inflammatory skin, which was induced by IMQ it was significant (50%). Liposomal MTX (LM 0.05 and 0.1%) caused significant reduction of thickness score dose-dependently in IMQP compared to the injected MTX. Moreover, investigation of the inflammatory factor and pathological examinations of skin proved the superiority of the LM treating group. Pathological examinations also showed there are no toxicity in organs of the mice that received the LM. Blood cell count test didn't show any abnormality. MTX-entrapped deformable liposomes could be a topical option in future for the treatment of human psoriasis with a less toxicity and merit further investigations.

Efficacy of iontophoresis-assisted epithelium-on corneal cross-linking for keratoconus

Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a noninvasive therapeutic procedure for keratoconus that is aimed at improving corneal biomechanical properties by induction of covalent cross-links between stromal proteins. It is accomplished by ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation of the cornea, which is first saturated with photosensitizing riboflavin. It has been shown that standard epithelium-off CXL (S-CXL) is efficacious, and it has been recommended as the standard of care procedure for keratoconus. However, epithelial removal leads to pain, transient vision loss, and a higher risk of corneal infection. To avoid these disadvantages, transepithelial CXL was developed. Recently, iontophoresis has been adopted to increase riboflavin penetration through the epithelium. Several clinical observations have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of iontophoresis-assisted epithelium-on CXL (I-CXL) for keratoconus. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the published studies regarding I-CXL and a comparison between I-CXL and S-CXL. All articles used in this review were mainly retrieved from the PubMed database. Original articles and reviews were selected if they were related to the I-CXL technique or related to the comparison between I-CXL and S-CXL.

Current perspectives on corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL)

Corneal collagen crosslinking has revolutionized the treatment of keratoconus and post-refractive corneal ectasia in the past decade. Corneal crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet A is proposed to halt the progression of keratectasia. In the original "Conventional Dresden Protocol" (C-CXL), the epithelium is removed prior to the crosslinking process to facilitate better absorption of riboflavin into the corneal stroma. Studies analyzing its short- and long-term outcomes revealed that although there are inconsistencies as to the effectiveness of this technique, the advantages prevail over the disadvantages. Therefore, corneal crosslinking (CXL) is widely used in current practice to treat keratoconus. In an attempt to improve the visual and topographical outcomes of C-CXL and to minimize time-related discomfort and endothelial-related side effects, various modifications such as accelerated crosslinking and transepithelial crosslinking methods have been introduced. The comparison of outcomes of these modified techniques with C-CXL has also returned contradictory results. Hence, it is difficult to clearly identify an optimal procedure that can overcome issues associated with the CXL. This review provides an up-to-date analysis on clinical and laboratory findings of these popular crosslinking protocols used in the treatment of keratoconus. It is evident from this review that in general, these modified techniques have succeeded in minimizing the immediate complications of the C-CXL technique. However, there were contradictory viewpoints regarding their effectiveness when compared with the conventional technique. Therefore, these modified techniques need to be further investigated to arrive at an optimal treatment option for keratoconus.

Transdermal immunomodulation: Principles, advances and perspectives

Immunomodulation, manipulation of the immune responses towards an antigen, is a promising strategy to treat cancer, infectious diseases, allergies, and autoimmune diseases, among others. Unique features of the skin including the presence of tissue-resident immune cells, ease of access and connectivity to other organs makes it a unique target organ for immunomodulation. In this review, we summarize advances in transdermal delivery of agents for modulating the immune responses for vaccination as well as tolerization. The biological foundation of skin-based immunomodulation and challenges in its implementation are described. Technological approaches aimed at enhancing the delivery of immunomodulatory therapeutics into skin are also discussed in this review. Progress made in the treatment of several specific diseases including cancer, infections and allergy are discussed. Finally, this review discusses some practical considerations and offers some recommendations for future studies in the field of transdermal immunomodulation.

Investigation of ethyl cellulose microsponge gel for topical delivery of eberconazole nitrate for fungal therapy

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate ethyl cellulose microsponges as topical carriers for the controlled release and cutaneous drug deposition of eberconazole nitrate (EB). Materials & method: EB microsponges were prepared using the quasiemulsion solvent diffusion method. The effect of formulation variables (drug:polymer ratio, internal phase volume and amount of emulsifier) and process variables (stirring time and stirring speed) on the physical characteristics of microsponges were investigated. The optimized microsponges were dispersed into a hydrogel and evaluated. Results & discussion: Spherical and porous EB microsponge particles were obtained. The optimized microsponges possessed particle size, drug content and entrapment efficiency of 24.5 µm, 43.31% and 91.44%, respectively. Microsponge-loaded gels demonstrated controlled release, nonirritancy to rat skin and antifungal activity. An in vivo skin deposition study demonstrated fourfold higher retention in the stratum corneum layer as compared with commercial cream. Conclusion: Developed ethyl cellulose microsponges could be potential pharmaceutical topical carriers of EB in antifungal therapy.

Corneal cross-linking: intrastromal riboflavin concentration in iontophoresis-assisted imbibition versus traditional and transepithelial techniques

PURPOSE

To determine differences in riboflavin concentration in the anterior, intermediate, and posterior stroma after 3 corneal cross-linking imbibition techniques (standard epithelial [epi]-off, epi-on, and iontophoresis-assisted administration) of 0.1% riboflavin.

DESIGN

Experimental laboratory investigation of human cadaver corneas not suitable for transplantation.

METHODS

Ten corneas underwent imbibition with epi-on (n = 3), epi-off (n = 3), iontophoresis (n = 3), and saline exposure (control; n = 1). Femtosecond laser was used to produce 3 8-mm discs of the superficial (0-150 μm), intermediate (150-300 μm), and deep stroma (>300 μm). Riboflavin concentration was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The main outcome measure was riboflavin concentration at the 3 evaluated depths.

RESULTS

The overall stromal concentration of riboflavin was 34.1 ± 7.1 μg/g in epi-off, 7.2 ± 3.7 μg/g in epi-on, and 15.0 ± 5.1 μg/g in iontophoresis. The mean riboflavin content in the superficial slice in the epi-off group was about 2-fold greater than that of the iontophoresis group (50.5 ± 5.3 μg/g and 23.6 ± 2.5 μg/g, respectively) and 4-fold greater than that of the epi-on group (11.7 ± 3.3 μg/g). Similar differences among the 3 groups were observed for the intermediate and posterior stromal slices, presenting an evident reduction of riboflavin concentration with increasing depth in all groups. Slice depth-dependent decrease in riboflavin concentration was statistically significant (general linear model (GLM); F1,6 = 62.265, P < .001), as was the group-dependent variation (GLM; F2,6 = 20.268, P = .002) and the slice depth group interaction (GLM; F2,6 = 18.004, P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal cross-linking transepithelial iontophoresis imbibition yielded greater and deeper riboflavin saturation with respect to conventional epi-on, while maintaining the advantages of avoiding epithelial removal and shorter procedure time, but did not reach concentrations obtained with standard epi-off.

An inhibitor of cathepsin K, icariin suppresses cartilage and bone degradation in mice of collagen-induced arthritis

The collagenase cathepsin K has been shown important in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Icariin is the major pharmacologically active flavonol diglycoside of Herba Epimedii, an herb used in Chinese traditional medicine to treat arthritis. We investigated whether icariin can inhibit the protease activity of cathepsin K and its effects on a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Six-week old female BALB/C mice were immunized with type II collagen and treated with vehicle alone icariin (25mg/kg) for 21 days; a control remained untreated. Serum concentrations of type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide (CTX-I) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and urinary concentrations of deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were measured, and disease severity was assessed. Compared with immunized, untreated mice, immunized icariin-treated mice had significantly lower urinary DPD (~25%, p<0.01) and serum COMP (~11.9%, p<0.01) concentrations, with serum CTX-1 (RatLaps) concentrations being significantly lower in immunized, icariin treated mice than in immunized, vehicle treated (p<0.01) and non-immunized (p<0.005) mice. Icariin also reduced the clinical signs of arthritis. Icariin inhibited cathpesin K activity in vitro and was effective in a mouse model of CIA similar to human RA, suggesting that this agent may have promise in the treatment of patients with RA.

Foreword to transdermal delivery mini focus issue

"With any drug-delivery technology, it is important to select the right drug molecule for the technology being used, so that there is a clear unmet therapeutic need being addressed, making it easier to get regulatory approval and generate interest and investment".