Diverse pharmacovigilance jurisdiction-The right way for global drug safety?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a comparison of several countries with different legislation and approaches to pharmacovigilance and to point out how these impact the number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that are reported to national competent authorities.

METHODS

Legislative and statistical data regarding ADR reporting from various national competent authorities' websites, databases, and pharmacovigilance centers were used. In combination with the WHO pharmacovigilance quantitative indicator that was applied to evaluate the effectiveness of particular national pharmacovigilance systems in our scope.

RESULTS

The study compared pharmacovigilance systems in six countries, focusing on ADR reporting from 2010 onwards. All countries required MAHs to report ADRs, while healthcare professionals' obligations varied. Per-capita ADR reports increased in all countries with available data, with the United States having a significantly higher reporting rate, possibly due to FDA campaigns. Despite starting later, China's per-capita reporting rate surpassed that of the Czech Republic and Japan. The study highlighted various measures taken by countries to enhance ADR reporting systems since the inception of their programs, contributing to the overall increase in reporting rates.

CONCLUSIONS

ADR reporting is a global priority, with efforts made by different countries to strengthen their pharmacovigilance systems. Some success can be seen in gradually improving per-capita ADR reporting rates. The varying reporting rates and measures taken by each country may serve as a basis for further research and exchange of best practices to improve drug safety monitoring worldwide.

The Main Therapeutic Applications of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Potential Effects on Aging with Respect to Alzheimer's Disease

The use of cannabinoids (substances contained specifically in hemp plants) for therapeutic purposes has received increased attention in recent years. Presently, attention is paid to two main cannabinoids: delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). With respect to the psychotropic effects and dependence potential of THC (though it is very mild), its use is associated with certain restrictions, and thus the therapeutic properties of CBD are frequently emphasized because there are no limitations associated with the risk of dependence. Therefore, this review covers the main pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic features of CBD (including characteristics of endocannabinoidome) with respect to its possible beneficial effects on selected diseases in clinical practice. A substantial part of the text deals with the main effects of CBD on aging, including Alzheimer's disease and related underlying mechanisms.

SGLT-2 inhibition a useful tool in the treatment of heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure is highly prevalent in the population and, from a long-term point of view, a disease that is still difficult to treat. Although a number of medicinal solutions are offered in its treatment, there are still large reserves. The drug portfolio has recently been expanded to include the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors, initially for failure with reduced and now also with preserved ejection fraction. The question of the possibility of using these substances is discussed in the text, focusing on a possible explanation of their therapeutic benefit.

The role and current status of heme iron preparations in people with iron depletion

Iron deficiency is a common but underestimated condition in the population. Its correlate is far from only sideropenic anemia, but is due to the variety of involvement of this element in a number of bio-chemical reactions; several other possible clinical manifestations can be expected. Appropriately selected oral supplementation is often necessary. Here, we should carefully consider the possible ratio of expected benefits and potential risks of side effects, or interaction with dietary components or concomitant medications. The available preparations are not equivalent; they differ not only in atomically different amounts of iron but also, above all, in the form that determines the way in which the iron will be absorbed. This ultimately defines the rate of adjustment for depletion and the tolerability of a particular product.

The position and importance of pharmacovigilance in the Czech Republic and in the world

Pharmacovigilance is an integral part of medicine. There is always a risk of side effects when using medication; these can be completely trivial, but there are side effects that can be life-threatening or fatal. Pharmacovigilance practices should prevent such side effects, or at least reduce their incidence, especially by developing preventive measures that are based on adverse drug reaction (ADR) data and the evaluations of these. This article discusses the general concept of pharmacovigilance and compares individual pharmacovigilance systems of several countries and regions.

Urapidil: an unknown / known antihypertensive

Essential arterial hypertension is not a disease that would significantly adversely affect patients in their daily activities. At least mostly. Nonetheless, it has a significant negative impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The tight correlation with the degree of hypertension, the patients age and, of course, commorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors is obvious. Therefore, the goal of hypertensive therapy is not only to try to achieve optimal reduction of blood pressure, but in a broader sense to reduce the risk of the just mentioned consequences, i.e. to reduce morbidity and reduce mortality. The antihypertensive drug urapidil can also be used in pharmacotherapy, the brief description of which is the subject of this article.

Inosine Pranobex Deserves Attention as a Potential Immunomodulator to Achieve Early Alteration of the COVID-19 Disease Course

Since its licensing in 1971, the synthetic compound inosine pranobex has been effectively combating viral infections, including herpes zoster, varicella, measles, and infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and respiratory viruses. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, new and existing drugs have been intensively evaluated for their potential as COVID-19 medication. Due to its potent immunomodulatory properties, inosine pranobex, an orally administered drug with pleiotropic effects, can, during early treatment, alter the course of the disease. We describe the action of inosine pranobex in the body and give an overview of existing evidence collected to support further efforts to study this drug in a rigorous clinical trial setup.

Can changes in skin impedance be used to monitor sedation after midazolam and during recovery from anesthesia?

It has been suggested that sympathetic activity, measured as changes in electrical skin impedance (SI), can be used to assess the adequacy of general anesthesia. Our prospective study investigated if measurements of skin impedance can determine levels of sedation induced by midazolam. Twenty-seven patients scheduled for arthroscopy requiring general anesthesia were served as their own control. These were blinded to the order of injections by telling them that they will be randomly administered a placebo (saline) orsedative agent. A DM 3900 multimeter was used for SI measurements. The degree of sedation was measured using the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness and Sedation (mOAAS) scale. Resting SI values were noted, and all participants were then administered the placebo followed 5 min later by midazolam 2 mg i.v. Five min after that, patients were administered standard general anesthesia with propofol, oxygen, nitrous oxide 60 %, and isoflurane 1 MAC via a laryngeal mask, and sufentanil 5 - 10 µg. SI significantly increased after administration of midazolam and induction of anesthesia. There were no significant differences between pre-administration (baseline) and placebo and end of surgery and end of anesthesia with closed eyes. There were highly significant differences (p<0.001) between pre-administration vs. midazolam, placebo vs. midazolam, pre-administration vs. induction of anesthesia. We found slight correlation between mOAAS and SI. There were no significant changes between the end of surgery and the end of anesthesia with closed eyes, but SI significantly decreased (p<0.01) after eyes opened.

Inosine Pranobex Significantly Decreased the Case-Fatality Rate among PCR Positive Elderly with SARS-CoV-2 at Three Nursing Homes in the Czech Republic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly population has been disproportionately affected, especially those in nursing homes (NH). Inosine pranobex (IP) has been previously demonstrated to be effective in treating acute viral respiratory infections. In three NH experiencing the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic, we started treatment with IP as soon as clients tested PCR+. In Litovel, CZ, the difference in case-fatality rate (CFR) for the PCR+ group using vs. not using IP was statistically significant, and the odds ratio (OR) was 7.2. When comparing all those taking IP in the three NH vs. the non-drug PCR+ group in Litovel, the odds ratio was lower for all three NH, but still significant at 2.9. The CFR in all three tested NHs, age range 75-84, compared to the CFR in all NHs in the Czech Republic, was significantly reduced (7.5% vs. 18%) (OR: 2.8); there was also a significant difference across all age groups (OR: 1.7). In our study with 301 residents, the CFR was significantly reduced (OR: 2.8) to 11.9% (17/142) in comparison to a study in Ireland with 27.6% (211/764). We think the effect of IP was significant in this reduction; nevertheless, these are preliminary results that need larger-scale trials on COVID-19 patients.

A new strategy for the treatment of atherothrombosis - inhibition of inflammation

Improvement in the prognosis of patients at risk of atherothrombotic events is based on three pillars - slowing down the process of atherogenesis (i.e. the development of atherosclerotic plaque), stabilizing the current atherosclerotic plaque, and reducing the risk of thrombotic occlusion in cases with unstable atherosclerotic plaque. The current prophylaxis has so far taken into consideration the adjustment of several risk factors, including dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, smoking, and diabetes through lifestyle changes or pharmacological therapies. An essential part of prophylaxis is the anti-thrombotic strategy, especially anti-platelet therapy. Recently, a new pathway has been developed, based on reducing the activity of the inflammatory process with NLRP3 inflammasome, specifically a monoclonal antibody against interleukin 1beta (canakinumab). The efficacy and safety of this treatment, in secondary prevention, were documented in the CANTOS study. Other therapeutic procedures, including suppression of the inflammatory component of atherogenesis, are at the stage of clinical assessment.

VEGF: A KEY PLAYER NOT ONLY IN MACULAR DEGENERATION. A REVIEW

The issue of macular retinal degeneration is one of the key areas of ophthalmology. Recent advances in the targeted delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) suppressants have significantly impacted the patient's prognosis in the form of a significant deceleration in disease progression. Some of the drugs have gradually found their use in other indications (central retinal vein occlusion or diabetic macular edema). The following text gives a brief look at the physiology of VEGF, but not only in the eye, but throughout the human body, particularly in the context of adverse effects resulting from systemic inhibition of its effects.

Non-traditional administration of remifentanil in an experimental setting

Remifentanil is ultrashort-acting opioid with a unique pharmacokinetic profile. It is used exclusively intravenously. While considering its rapid onset of action and other pharmacokinetic properties, we decided to assess its effects following administration via non-traditional routes. Rabbits (n=10 per each group) were randomized into six groups: remifentanil 1 microg/kg and 3 microg/kg IM, 5.0 and 10.0 microg/kg conjunctivally, and 10 microg/kg and 25.0 microg/kg intranasally. Sedating effects were assessed via a loss of the righting reflex. Secondary, mean arterial blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and pulse rate was monitored in all rabbits. Non-traditional routes of administration were shown to provide a rapid onset of action as well as fast recovery. Importantly, the administration of remifentanil did not result in any deterioration of cardiovascular functions.

Diosmin - still an important modality in the treatment of venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a highly prevalent disease in the western population. Unfortunately, there is no causal treatment yet. A key role in the recommended therapeutic approaches, especially in the early stages, is the compression therapy accompanied by pharmacotherapy. This includes, inter alia, micronized diosmin. The following text summarizes the basic knowledge of its properties that determine its clinical use.

Importance of vitamin D in gynecology

Vitamin D is a lipophilic vitamin possessing a myriad of physiologic functions, including hormonal, in human body. It participates in calcium homeostasis and influences cells differentiation via genome. In the context of the broad research aimed at mapping its physiological effects in the human body it is obvious that it significantly interferes with the whole range of physiological and pathological conditions. This text briefly discusses its contribution to gynecology.

[The current position of hydrochlorothiazide among thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics]

Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are an important group of drugs used in the treatment of essential arterial hyper-tension. While their beneficial therapeutic effect in monotherapy is evident, they are increasingly used in fixed combinations, particularly with ACE inhibitors or sartans. The aim of this article was to summarize the current status of hydrochlorothiazide and compare its effects with other substances in this subgroup of diuretics.Key words: diuretics - HCTZ - hydrochlorothiazide - hypertension - chlorthalidone - indapamide - thiazide.

[A present view on ivabradine in the therapy of cardiovascular diseases]

Cardiovascular illnesses belong to diseases with the highest prevalence. They are also the most predominant reason of death in the vast majority of European countries. Hence, the offer of effective treatment of these dis-eases is absolutely crucial. This text focuses on the current therapeutical use of ivabradine in its approved indications - chronic stable angina pectoris and chronic heart failure - in the context of so far published relevant clinical trials.Key words: angina pectoris - bradines - heart failure - If current - ischemic heart disease - ivabradine.

[Current position of a fixed combination telmisartan with amlodipine in treatment of essential arterial hypertension]

Nowadays, fixed drug combinations are very important part of pharmacotherapy in essential arterial hypertension. The ameliorated activity of RAAS system (ACE inhibitors or sartans) along with calcium-ion channel inhibitor results in additive decrease of blood pressure with concomitant beneficial safety profile. Both telmisartan and amlodipine possess very favorable pharmacological properties, what is reflected in results of performed clinical trials, in which they were used as combinations.Key words: amlodipine - calcium channel blockers - fixed combination - hypertension - sartans - telmisartan.

[Empagliflozin - the new representative of SGLT2 transporter inhibitors for the treatment of patients with diabetes 2 type]

Empagliflozin is a new medicine used to reduce hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the most advanced class of antidiabetic drugs, known as gliflozins, which prevent reabsorption of glucose through inhibiting SGLT2 sodium-glucose cotransporter. Thereby they cause therapeutic glycosuria, thanks to which a loss of approximately 70 g of glucose per day occurs. This not only effects the decrease in glycemia, but also the loss of body mass, since this excreted glucose cannot be used as an energetic substrate. The studies within phase 3 have proven the therapeutic efficacy of empagliflozin in monotherapy, in combination with the other oral antidiabec drugs and insulin. Another favourable effect of empagliflozin is a slight decrease in blood pressure. In May 2014, empagliflozin was approved for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes within the European Union 2014, since October 2014 it has been available in the Czech Republic and since 1 February 2015 empagliflozin (under the trade name Jardiance®) has been partially covered by the health insurance for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes either in combination with metformin or in combination with insulin (with or without metformin).

[What are biosimilars and what do they bring to us?]

Biosimilar medicines are a new category of medicinal products that substantially differ from generic preparations through the necessary submission of conclusive evidence of their therapeutic efficacy and therefore it is not sufficient to merely state their biological equivalence. Apart from the proven efficacy, also their safety is evaluated of course, with an emphasis on immunogenicity regarding biological nature of these substances. As a result, requirements for registration are much stricter. With regard to the current boom of the preparations labelled in a simplified way as biological or specifically targeted drugs, we can certainly expect a growing number of newly registered medicinal products in this category in the near future. Last year, a biosimilar insulin analogue of glargine was approved for administration at the level of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in accordance with the aforementioned procedures; its efficacy and safety profile have been found within the registration studies practically identical, or non-inferior, to the original insulin analogue.

[Gliptins: a safe and effective treatment of diabetes mellitus]

Gliptins are well recognized substances modulating incretin system via inhibition of dipeptidylpeptidase IV. Their efficacy was demonstrated both in monotherapy and in combination with metformin, where they act synergistically. Hence, a better control of diabetes might be assumed. This short article aims to show current trends in their prescription in the Czech Republic.Key words: diabetes mellitus - dipeptidylpeptidase IV - gliptins - oral antidiabetics.

[A fixed dose combination of telmisartan, and a thiazide diuretic in the treatment of hypertension]

The article gives an overview of the risk factors for hypertension and the appropriate indication for using a fixed combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. It cites large, multicentre clinical trials that demonstrate the efficacy and safety of telmisartan in patients with hypertension and also a metaanalysis of treatment with either telmisartan alone (TELMI) or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) which shows that it is a very well tolerated and safe treatment for patients across a wide age range.

Ephedrine accelerates psychomotor recovery from anesthesia in macaque monkeys

BACKGROUND

Ephedrine is used in treatment of hypotension during anesthesia. We investigated its effects on the psychomotor recovery and its potential adverse reactions on cardiorespiratory functions in rhesus monkeys.

METHODS

The monkeys received 50 μg/kg medetomidine, 2.0 mg/kg S-ketamine with 150 IU hyaluronidase i.m. Pulse rate, blood pressure and saturation of haemoglobin were monitored for 20 minutes. Thereafter, 1 mg/kg of ephedrine or a placebo was administered i.m. and behavioural changes, pulse rate, blood pressure and saturation of haemoglobin were monitored every 5 minutes.

RESULTS

Ephedrine shortened recovery from anaesthesia from 80.4 ± 25.8 to 14.83 ± 13.70 minutes. Ephedrine also increased oxygen saturation of haemoglobin and systolic blood pressure and caused significant decrease in pulse rate 5 minutes after its administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Ephedrine can be successfully used to accelerate psychomotor recovery after the use of common anesthetic protocols combining dissociative anesthetic agent and alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist in primates.

[The role of cyclooxygenase in pain processing in CNS]

Enzyme cyclooxygenase plays an important role in many cellular processes. It is necessary for a synthesis prostaglandines, which belong to the most important mediators of inflammatory and pain processes. Many studies show an importance of this enzyme not only in periphery but in central nervous system as well. The main unsolved question is, if the cyclooxygenase-1 or cyclooxygenase-2 play the main role in synaptic transmission. In this review we try to summarise the current overview in relation to this topic.