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Methotrexate (MTX), a biopharmaceutical classification system-IV anticancer drug, exhibits low therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, its clinical applications were restricted due to its multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer and its toxic effects. The present investigation was to fabricate 1, 2-dimyristoyl

The present generation of students has information at their hands with the advances in technology. The conventional teaching in monologue manner, just delivering bookish information and dictation are ineffective to inculcate knowledge and confidence in them. Attendance is another major challenge for the current educational system. Assessment patterns have improved from 'marking' to 'continuous grading' systems. However, the questions in examinations merely evaluate the memorizing and writing skills of the students. There is limited scope for students to think in a scientific and logical manner. In addition, there is a need for teaching-learning beyond the classrooms in emergencies like the prevailing pandemic of Coronavirus Disease / COVID-19. The adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools will not suffice all these requirements. Interactive teaching-learning would help to convert bookish information into life-long knowledge. Case-based problem-solving questions would create the need for thinking. The blending of skills and knowledge will inculcate value and confidence in students along with their university degrees. A pre-study perception survey was performed to understand the educational needs of students and expectations of parents and the pharma industry, followed by activities to promote interactive teaching-learning in a selected institute. The post-study feedback survey revealed interesting results, which will, boosts effective knowledge dissemination along with improved student attendance.

The purpose of the present study is to highlight the discriminations if any, between the quality of low and high-cost medicines, which would help to select the right brand of medicine. In the present work, brands of medicines having high, medium, and low prices containing either of biopharmaceutical classification system class-II or class-IV drugs were comparatively evaluated for different pharmacopoeial standards as well as for biopharmaceutical classification system solubility and permeability. An ex vivo permeability test was carried out using a simple and non-invasive everted gut sac technique. Insignificant variation in pharmaceutical quality and permeability of the tested three types of brands was observed; however, the study could not consider the state of quality assurance facilities and parameters used while manufacturing these medicines. The study will help to make aware and assure medical and pharmacy practitioners and consumers for the selection of quality quality generic medicines.

Sorafenib tosylate (ST), a European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved orally active anticancer drug for liver cancer therapy. However, ST shows low or...

Background Resveratrol, a bioactive phytoconstituent, is used to treat chronic respiratory diseases. However, its clinical application was hampered due to its poor bioavailability. In the present study, controlled release of resveratrol loaded nanocochleate-based dry powder inhaler was investigated to improve its biopharmaceutical properties for pulmonary drug delivery. The in vivo toxicity study was performed in the healthy male albino Wistar rats by intracheal administration. Results Resveratrol loaded nanocochleate-based dry powder inhaler was prepared by lyophilizing the resveratrol loaded dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine sodium and calcium ion-based nanocochleates using mannitol as cryoprotectant. Resveratrol loaded nanocochleates showed a particle size and encapsulation efficiency of 329.18 ± 9.43 nm and 76.35 ± 3.65%, respectively. Resveratrol loaded nanocochleate-based dry powder exhibited a particle size of 102.21 ± 9.83 μm and satisfactory flowability with initial burst release followed by extended release up to 96 h. The in vitro drug deposition pattern using multistage cascade impactor showed 1.28-fold improvement in fine particle dose, and the in vivo toxicity potential by histopathological study in albino rats revealed safety of formulation. Conclusions Resveratrol loaded nanocochleate-based dry powder inhaler could serve as an efficient delivery system for the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. Graphical abstract

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the cost of illness of the patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients admitted and discharged from ICU above 18 years of any medical illness for 6 months in ICU in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Pune. Data such as demographic details, diagnosis, disease class, cost of drug therapy, and medical care cost were obtained. The cost was analyzed using the bottom-up method and statistical analysis of data was done using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Of 400 patients, the average age was 54.27 years with a length of stay of 3.69 days and mortality rate of 12.25%. The average total cost per patient accounted for Rs. 52,840 and the per day cost was Rs. 14,319. Amongst various diagnoses, the cost incurred in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) accounted for Rs. 75,060 of the total cost, whereas the average per day cost observed in myocardial infarction (MI) was Rs. 15,495. The cost of drug therapy per patient was Rs. 5204.33 and total drug therapy accounted for 12.08%. The average number of drugs prescribed per patient was 8.44. Antimicrobial costs were observed as 28% of the total cost. The cost of antimicrobials was Rs. 1473 per patient. Medical care costs, including consultant and investigation charges per patient, were found to be Rs. 632 and Rs. 6861, respectively. Conclusion: The study reveals that ICU bed charges, miscellaneous charges, and drug therapy costs have more contribution to the direct medical cost of hospitalization.

Abstract: The mitochondria are a dynamic powerhouse organelle that contributes greatly to cancer therapy. Solving the current problems that occur mostly in chemotherapy and diagnosis of various cancers targeting the Mitochondria is an implying approach. In this review, it is discussed how the tethering of mitochondrial-targeting moieties to chemotherapeutics, fluorescent dyes and photothermal molecules can enhance the anticancer effect. The most extensively used mitochondrial targeting conjugate is Triphenyl phosphonium (TPP), which is a delocalized lipophilic cation that gets easily accumulated via the endocytosis mechanism due to the decreased mitochondrial membrane potential of the cancer cell. Credited for this characteristic, TPP has been extensively investigated in targeting mitochondria and delivery of cancer theranostics. This mitochondrial targeting strategy attracted great attention in cancer targeting nanotechnology. The TPP based nanoformulation have exhibited amplified therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of various cancer. Thus, TPP is an ultimate carrier with magnificent potential as a mitochondrial targeting agent.

The aim of the present study was to prepare a resveratrol-loaded microsponge-based dry powder inhaler (RES-MS-DPI) using the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method and to explore its suitability for pulmonary delivery. The prepared microsponges were evaluated for physicochemical properties. Additionally, an in vitro lung deposition study was performed using an Andersen cascade impactor (ACI), while in vivo performance was studied by intratracheal administration. The optimized porous and spherical RES-MS showed particle size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and fine particle fraction (FPF) of 2.499 ± 0.56 μm, −25.34 mV, 89.45 ± 0.23%, 2.13 ± 0.21 μm and 48.54 ± 0.25%, respectively, with controlled release. Further, in vitro and in vivo studies of RES-MS showed a twofold improvement in the FPF, and 4.4-, 14.12- and 1.94-fold improvement in the area under the curve (AUC), mean residence time (MRT) and Cmax. The RES-MS exhibited higher aerosolization and lung deposition.

Objective: To study the Therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetics of marketed antibiotics formulation by developing a sensitive and specific Bioanalytical Chromatographic method. Methods: In the present study, we developed a rapid, sensitive and selective chromatographic method for simultaneous estimation of Cefoperazone (CEF) And Sulbactam (SAL) in male Wistar rat plasma. A novel liquid phase extraction method has adopted the preparation of plasma sample preparation. The CEF and SAL were eluted on a peerless Basic C18 (25 cm; 4.6 mm x 5 µm) column maintained at controlled environmental conditions. The gradient mobile phase comprised of 10 mmol ammonium acetate and acetonitrile. A UV detector was set at 250 nm and retention times for CEF and SAL were approximately 5.6 and 14.2 min, respectively. The proposed HPLC method was validated according to the US FDA guidelines with respect to the linearity, accuracy, precision, detection and quantitation limits, robustness and specificity. Results: Calibration curves of CEF and SAL were linear across the concentration range of 600-1000 and 6-10 µg/ml, with correlation coefficients (r2)>0.9977 and (r2)>0.9987, respectively. The limits of detection for CEF and SAL were 70.48 and 0.35 µg/ml, respectively. Additionally, CEF and SAL were stable in plasma for at least 24 h when stored at room temperature and 2-8 °C. Conclusion: The developed chromatographic method was effectively utilized to measure the plasma CEF and SAL concentrations in a pharmacokinetics study after intravenous injection to the healthy male Wistar rats.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) blocks Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Enzyme thereby, interrupt folate metabolism, it is used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disorders. Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the MTHFR polymorphisms with serum MTX concentration and its toxicity in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) patients treated with high dose MTX infusion. Material and Methods: Level of Serum MTX was measured, along with the detection of MTHFR polymorphisms viz. C677T and A1298C by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. The percentages of toxicity developed in patients were calculated among the wild type and carriers for both polymorphisms and were compared between the groups. Results: The majority of patients 36 (72 %) were wild type for the C677T polymorphism and 32 (64 %) of patients were carriers for the A1298C polymorphism [48% heterozygous (AC), and 16 % homozygous (CC)]. Among 50 ALL patients studied, significant difference was noted in the genotype and allele frequencies for C677T polymorphism, while only allele frequencies differed significantly for A1298C polymorphism. The serum MTX level at 48 hours after the start of High Dose MTX (HDMTX) infusion of the C677T variant (CT) was slightly high in all four cycles however, in the first cycle, there was a significant increase in the level of MTX. There was no significant difference in the serum MTX level found in all four cycles between patients wild type and carriers for A1298C polymorphism. For A1298C polymorphism, the mean SGPT level in carriers was significantly high as compared to wild type. Conclusion: The present study concludes that patients with C667T variant had elevated serum MTX concentration at 48 hours after the start of HDMTX infusion.

The aim of the present investigation was to develop adapalene (ADP), a high lipophilicity and low solubility anti-acne drug-loaded niosomal topical gel formulation, in order to improve its therapeutic efficacy. ADP niosomes were prepared using Span 60 and cholesterol using a modified ethanol injection method. A design of experiments (DOE) study was conducted to optimize ADP loaded niosomes. The potential of ADP niosomes was investigated for in vitro release and ex vivo skin permeation studies. Additionally, ADP niosomes were loaded into the Carbopol 934 gel and studied for its skin irritation, skin deposition and ex vivo skin permeation potential. The developed ADP niosomes showed the mean particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 278 nm, −17.99 mV, and 86%, respectively. The optimized ADP niosomes showed controlled drug release up to 12 h. Nevertheless, the niosomal gel displayed controlled drug release up to 24 h with a reduction in skin irritation in Wistar rats. An in vivo skin deposition study showed 2.5-fold higher ADP retention in the stratum corneum layer as compared to the commercial ADP formulation. The ADP niosomal gel would be a safe and valuable alternative to the conventional delivery systems for the treatment of acne.

INTRODUCTION Bioequivalence is established by comparing the bioequivalence study results of generic drugs with the reference listed drug. Several global regulatory agencies have published the guidance for locally acting orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs) for bioequivalence approaches. AREAS COVERED The prime intent of the present article is to compare the regulatory guidance for bioequivalence assessment of locally acting OIDPs published by global regulatory authorities. Regulatory recommendations on bioequivalence were based on assessment for different parameters such as inhaler device, formulation, reference product selection, in-vitro, and in-vivo studies. The United States Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada suggest an aggregated weight of evidence approach and the European Medicines Agency promotes a stepwise approach, whereas though the Indian authorities have not published guidance specifically on OIDPs but provided guidelines for bioavailability and bioequivalence studies. EXPERT OPINION For OIDPs, currently, there is no universally adopted methodology, and regulatory guidance has not been globally harmonized. By understanding and comparing bioequivalence recommendations for different regions, we can create more sensitive, and economic evaluation methods for OIDPs. This could open more alternatives of safe, effective generic OIDPs to the public.

Objective: To study fixed-dose combinations (FDC) of antibacterial and antiprotozoal products (ofloxacin and azoles), prescribed for the treatment of diarrhea. Methods: Rationality of these FDC products was verified by assessing parameters such as drug content and release by assay and dissolution tests, respectively mentioned in the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Amount of drug solubilized and permeated as per the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) was determined. Ex vivo permeation study was performed on the gut of goat using the everted gut sac technique. Antimicrobial efficacy in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was assessed using agar well diffusion method against Shigella boydii, the causative agent for diarrhea. Comparative studies were performed on an individual as well as combination doses of antibacterial and antiprotozoal products for the synergistic effects to assess the rationale of these FDC. Results: The BCS solubility of ciprofloxacin (CPX), norfloxacin (NFX) and tinidazole (TNZ) was high in acidic medium (pH 1-5) and decreased at pH above 5. The assay studies showed that the individual drug contents of FDC were within the IP limits. In vitro dissolution results for both, individual drugs and their combination illustrated 99 % drug release within 30 min in 0.01N HCl. Ex vivo permeation of TNZ was higher than CPX and NFX in individual drugs. No significant change in the permeation rate was observed for individual drugs and their FDC. CPX and NFX exhibited more antimicrobial activity in terms of inhibitory zones than their FDC with antiprotozoal TNZ, above 2.5 µg/ml MIC. The pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and antimicrobial evaluation study showed the similarity of FDC with the individual drugs. Conclusion: The study showed no significant data to justify the therapeutic advantage of FDC over individual drugs.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an extensively prescribed antimetabolite especially in the treatment of several pediatric cancers, though managing toxicities associated with methotrexate in high dose continues to be a challenge. A prospective study was carried out from April 2017 to October 2018. Children of either sex below 18 years at the time of enrolment and receiving high dose Methotrexate intravenous infusion over 24 h as a 2 g/m(2), 3 g/m(2) and 5 g/m(2) dose was included in the study. The serum methotrexate level was estimated after the start of 48 h HDMTX infusion by using the ARCHITECT methotrexate assay. Toxicity due to HDMTX was assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.5.0. A total of 244 HDMTX infusions were delivered to 62 ALL patients. From the total of 244 cycles, serum methotrexate level in 35 cycles after the start of 48 h HDMTX infusion was found to be ≥ 1.0 μmol/L with reported toxicities among 31 cycles (88.6%). In 209 cycles MTX level was found to be less than 1.0 is statistically significant as compared to other cycles (p

The objective of the present study is to understand the effects of lactose fines, a USP modified induction port (IP) and USP modified glass sampling apparatus (DDU apparatus) on the aerodynamic behavior of a fluticasone propionate (FP) dry powder inhaler (DPI). Lactose carriers containing 0 to 25% lactose fines were assessed for various physicochemical properties. Also, formulated FP DPIs were analyzed in terms of aerodynamic behavior using a multistage cascade assembly and DDU apparatus equipped with Revolizer® at a flow rate of 60 L min−1. The physicochemical characterization of lactose carriers showed that there were remarkable differences in particle size distribution, surface area and surface roughness. The formulated FP DPIs exhibited acceptable percentage content uniformity (>96%). A cascade impactor equipped with the USP modified IP showed significant differences in recovered and emitted doses compared to the USP IP. Additionally, in comparison to the USP IP, the USP modified IP showed a lower amount of drug deposition within the IP, irrespective of the lactose fines concentration. Besides, a formulated FP DPI showed a higher (>95%) mean delivered dose using the modified DDU apparatus at a flow rate of 60 L min−1. Briefly, not only the formulation properties and inhalation device but also the IP geometry had significant impacts on the in vitro analysis. The present investigation is the first detailed account of FP aerosolization performance using USP modified IP and DDU apparatus. Therefore, these findings may be of high importance for both academics and industrial researchers.

Dendrimers and dendrimer-based delivery systems are potential biomedicines in the rapidly growing field of nanomedicine. At present, dendrimers are drawing attention in the scientific domain due to their unique structural features, physiological properties and biological attributes. These multifunctional nanomaterials provide unique platforms for targeting, imaging, diagnostics and theranostics. The rationale of this article is to offer insight into the pulmonary delivery of these multifunctional nanomaterials. This review examines reports on inhaled dendrimers which have been published in the last few years. The article begins by describing the relevant background knowledge of dendrimers, dendrimer synthesis schemes and their potential advantages as nanomaterials. It progresses to the pulmonary applications of dendrimers, with special emphasis on pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), soft mist inhalers (SMI), nebulizers and dry powder inhalers (DPI). Additionally, this review article contains a dedicated section discussing the biocompatibility challenges and clinical outcomes of dendrimer-based nanotherapeutics. In summary, this review is the first comprehensive account of inhaled dendrimers to appear in recent years.

Fisetin (FS), 2-(3,4 dihydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dihydroxychromen-4-one), a bioactive natural hydrophobic flavonol, has numerous therapeutic properties. However, its efficacy as a potential phytochemical has been limited owing to poor aqueous solubility and consecutively bioavailability. In the present study, we report the co-crystal synthesis of FS with caffeine (CA, 1,3,7-trimethylpurine-2,6-dione) and a nicotinamide (NC, pyridine-3-carboxamide) co-former using cooling crystallization technology to augment the biopharmaceutical properties of FS. A methanolic solution containing FS and co-formers was subjected to cooling crystallization to acquire the FS co-crystals. The developed co-crystals were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, saturation solubility and intrinsic dissolution studies. The oral bioavailability of the co-crystals was studied using healthy Wister male rats. In addition, the anti-inflammatory potential of the co-crystals was studied using a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. Cooling crystallization caused development of golden yellow colored cylindrical FS–CA and rectangular FS–NC co-crystals, as verified by thermal and diffractometry analysis which exhibited more than a two-fold enrichment in the solubility of FS. The FS–CA co-crystal displayed a marked three-fold improvement in the oral bioavailability of FS and retained the anti-inflammatory potential of FS in the pharmacodynamic study. The investigation showed the utility of cooling crystallization technology to augment the biopharmaceutical properties of bioactive FS and could be explored for clinically important lipophilic phytochemicals to improve their pharmaceutical properties.

Bioequivalence (BE) is established between the brand drug and the generic drug to allow the linking of preclinical and clinical testing conducted on the reference listed drug. Regulatory agencies around the globe have come up with the guidance for locally acting orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs) for bioequivalence approaches. The prime intent of the present article is to compare approaches of different international regulatory authorities such as Health Canada, European Medicines Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration that have published guidance related to locally acting OIDPs. Moreover, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, India, has published guidelines for bioavailability and bioequivalence studies. BE recommendations from global regulatory agencies were based on comparison for different parameters, namely inhaler device, formulation, reference product’s selection, in-vitro as well as in-vivo studies (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical studies). In the case of in-vivo studies, details about study design, dose choices, inclusion/ exclusion criteria of the subject, study period, endpoint study, and equivalence acceptance criteria were discussed in the present review article.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a highly communicable disease which affects the lungs but if left untreated can also spread to brain or spine. According to the World Health Organization, TB is considered as one of the top ten causes of death throughout the world with ten million cases reported annually. Although TB occurs in most parts of the world yet two thirds of the new cases reported, happened in India, China, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa. TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics which has to be consumed by patients over a year or more. At present the drugs and vaccines available for treatment of TB has no significant effect on controlling the disease due to the occurrence of multiple drug-resistant (Mdr) strains. Hence, this created an urgent need to develop drugs of natural origin. Drugs from natural sources have exceptionally rich chemical diversity and a wide spectrum antimicrobial activity. The current chapter states the recent developments that had occurred in the treatment of TB using natural compounds and also discusses the various natural anti-mycobacterial compounds.

This study aimed at carrying out a preformulation investigation of nanocochleates (NCs) and develop andrographolide-loaded nanocochleates. Preformulation study comprised of exploring the effect of trivalent and divalent ions on transition temperature (TT) of lipid (DMPG-Na), on particle size (PS), entrapment efficacy (EE), zeta potential (ZP) of NCs, and effect of NCs on change in lipid solubility post-NC formation. Further, the andrographolide-loaded nanocochleates made with CaCl2 (ANDNCs) were characterized for ZP, PS, EE, X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transition electron microscopy (TEM), in vitro release studies, in vitro anticancer potential on the cell line of human breast cancer (MCF-7), in vivo oral pharmacokinetic studies, and tissue distribution in female Wistar rats. Nanocochleates developed with CaCl2 had a significant reduction in PS (1.78-fold) and ZP (1.38-fold), and elevation of EE (1.17-fold) as compared to AlCl3 developed NCs. Trivalent ions demonstrated elevation of TT as compared to divalent ions. Spiral-shaped ANDNCs demonstrated ZP, PS, and EE of − 121.46 ± 15.12 mV, 360 ± 47 nm, and 68.12 ± 3.81% respectively. In vitro release study of ANDNCs showed a strong pH-dependent release profile due to hydrogen bonding between NCs and andrographolide (AND). Formulated ANDNCs demonstrated 26.99-fold decrease in IC50 value as compared to free AND. Additionally, the oral bioavailability of AND from ANDNCs improved by 1.81-fold as compared to free AND. Furthermore, ANDNCs showed minimum accumulation within the vital organs such as liver, kidney, and spleen. Briefly, the preformulation study laid a platform for better understanding the NCs and its components. Further, developed ANDNCs revealed superior physiochemical properties to be used as an alternative for a clinical setting.

The present investigation aimed to develop curcumin loaded turmeric oil microemulsion for brain targeting. An effort has been made to investigate the role of functional components in developing brain targeted formulation which could enhance the bioavailability and uptake of drug in the brain upon oral administration. Preliminary studies like solubility study, emulsification study and construction of the pseudo ternary phase diagram were performed for screening components. The formulation was optimized by using extreme vertices mixture design. The optimized formulation was characterized for appearance, stability to centrifugation, dilution potential, globule size, zeta potential and drug content. Furthermore, ex-vivo permeation in chicken gut sac non everted technique and pharmacokinetic study in adult zebra fishes were carried out. The optimized formulation was found to clear, yellow-colored with the absence of phase separation and precipitation denoted the stability of formulation to centrifugation and dilution. The mean globule size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and drug content was observed as 29.13± 0.12 nm, 0.23 ± 0.01,-12.33 ± 1.37 mV and 99.10±3.91 %, respectively. Ex vivo permeation study revealed 2.41 fold enhancement in the steady-state flux when compared to curcumin solution. Furthermore, optimized formulation showed shorter Tmax (5 min) and higher AUC(0-∞) (7.93 μg/brain*min) compared to the curcumin solution which showed similar Tmax and AUC(0-∞) of 2.78 μg/brain*min after oral administration to zebra fishes revealing 3.97 fold enhancement. The results revealed enhanced ex vivo oral absorption and enhanced in vivo brain pharmacokinetics of curcumin via functional microemulsion in the zebra fish model.

Background: Pharmacist can directly influence disease management by providing community based Pharmaceutical Care services. Pharmacists must evolve from dispensers to medication management practitioners. Therefore their knowledge, attitude and practices are the key necessities, so that they can work along with physicians to significantly improve the health of the patients. Objective: To assess the Attitude and Practices of Pharmacists regarding Pharmaceutical Care. Methods: This prospective study administered validated Attitude and Practices questionnaire on a sample of 508 pharmacists belonging to government, community and corporate sectors of Pune district in India. The level of attitude and practices towards pharmaceutical care were assessed with simple descriptive analysis and the outcomes from focused group discussion with higher officials from all three sectors. Results: The responses of all participants were significantly low across all components of Pharmaceutical care practices including patient counseling, solving drug related problems, doing interventions, ADR management and informing drug interactions, whereas the attitude to provide these services was found to be very high. From Focused group discussion with officials, it was confirmed that Pharmacists did not practice much patient care services due to barriers like lack of proper education and training of pharmacists, weak implementation of existing laws, inadequate clinical knowledge and lack of recognition of the pharmacy profession by other healthcare professionals. Conclusion: The study concluded that in India, dispensing of medicines still remains as a dominant service provide by all pharmacists and there is very limited practice of Pharmaceutical Care in spite of positive attitude of pharmacists towards it. Key words: Pharmacists, Attitude and practice, Pharmaceutical care, India.

Methotrexate (MTX) plays important treatment modalities for several paediatric cancers. Several automated binding assays and chromatographic methods was developed for estimating Methotrexate levels...

One of the characteristics of amphiphilic drug which may be a disadvantage is the phase separation or clouding phenomenon on heating which depends upon the nature, structure and concentration of th...

Methotrexate (MTX), a potent anticancer drug, shows low oral bioavailability due to its low aqueous solubility and permeability. Moreover, its multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer and toxic effects restricts its clinical applications. The aim of the study was to prepare novel MTX-loaded Poloxamer 407 and Gelucire®44/14 (GL44) mixed micelles (MTX-PGMM) to improve its oral bioavailability and cytotoxicity and to reduce its systemic toxicity. MTX-PGMM was prepared by dialysis method, compared with blank or MTX-free blank mixed micelles (BMM) and aqueous dispersion of MTX (MTX-AD) with respect to morphology, size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro release, and in vitro cytotoxicity, bioavailability, and toxicity study in rats. The developed MTX-PGMM exhibited small particle size, good encapsulation efficiency, and good stability in media simulating the physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The MTX-PGMM micelles demonstrated sustained release, enhanced (6.5-fold) oral bioavailability, slow plasma elimination, and long circulation of MTX. Biocompatibility was also established as there were no signs of tissue toxicity. Moreover, MTX-PGMM produced higher in vitro cytotoxicity (GI50 of 1.44 ± 0.33 μg/mL) than free MTX (GI50 13.71 ± 0.99 μg/mL) in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Poloxamer 407 and Gelucire®44/14 (GL44) mixed micelles are promising carriers for oral delivery of MTX and can be utilized for other Biopharmaceutical Classification System class IV anticancer drugs having poor oral bioavailability and multidrug resistance in cancer.

A new family of biofunctionalized chitosan decorated nanocochleates-mediated drug delivery system was developed that involves uniquely combining nanocochleates with anticancer drug for controlled drug release, targeted delivery, improved bioavailability with reduced toxicity. This system was developed by loading of doxorubicin (DOX) to nanocochleates (DOX-NC) through conversion of negatively charged dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) phospholipid and cholesterol-bearing vesicles on addition of calcium ions, followed by encapsulation DOX-NC with folic acid conjugated chitosan (FA-CHI-DOX-NC). The release of DOX indicated strong pH dependence and implies hydrogen-bonding interaction between nanocochleates and DOX. Formulated FA-CHI-DOX-NC demonstrated higher in-vitro anticancer activity in folate overexpressed human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The targeting effect for the FA-CHI-DOX-NC was also demonstrated. The concentration of the drug needed for growth inhibition of 50% of cells in a designed time period (GI50) was 9.1 µg/ml for DOX while it was decreased by 31.68% for the DOX-NC (6.2 µg/ml). Furthermore, the GI50 value of FA-CHI-DOX-NC was 4.4 µg/ml, i.e. a 51.64% decrease was observed as compared to DOX solution. Moreover, bioavailability of DOX from FA-CHI-DOX-NC increased by 4-fold with long circulation time, slower plasma elimination and no sign of tissue toxicity as compared to DOX solution. The proposed strategy is advantageous in terms of targeted drug delivery and has high potential to address the current challenges in drug delivery. Thus, the prepared new carrier offers a novel formulation that combines the unique properties of a biodegradable material, chitosan and nanocochleates for biomedical applications.

The natural flavonoid fisetin (FS) has shown anticancer properties but its in-vivo administration remains challenging due to its poor aqueous solubility. The aim of the study was to develop FS loaded pluronic127 (PF)-folic acid (FA) conjugated micelles (FS-PF-FA) by the way of increasing solubility, bioavailability and active targetability of FS shall increase its therapeutic efficacy. FA-conjugated PF was prepared by carbodiimide crosslinker chemistry. FS-PF-FA micelles were prepared by thin-film hydration method and evaluated in comparison with free FS and FS loaded PF micelles (FS-PF). The smooth surfaces with spherical in shape of FS-PF-PF micelles displayed smaller in size (103.2 ± 6.1 nm), good encapsulation efficiency (82.50 ± 1.78%), zeta potential (-26.7 ± 0.44 mV) and sustained FS release. Bioavailability of FS from FS-PF-PF micelles was increased by 6-fold with long circulation time, slower plasma elimination and no sign of tissue toxicity as compared to free FS. Further, the FS-PF-FA micelles demonstrated active targeting effect on folate overexpressed human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The concentration of the drug needed for growth inhibition of 50% of cells in a designed time period (GI50) was 14.3 ± 1.2 µg/ml for FS while it was greatly decreased to 9.8 ± 0.78 µg/ml, i.e. a 31.46% decrease for the FS-PF. Furthermore, the GI50 value for FS-PF-FA was 4.9 ± 0.4 µg/ml, i.e. a 65.737% decrease compared to FS and 50% decrease compare to FS-PF. The results indicate that the FS-PF-FA micelles have the potential to be applied for targeting anticancer drug delivery.

Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of organ donation (OD) among pharmacy students. Methodology: A web-based, cross-sectional study of students pursuing different pharmacy courses was conducted. A specially designed questionnaire was used to survey the students. Results: A total of 160 students responded to survey. Nearly, three-fourth students wished to donate organs to anyone, 83.1% wanted to donate by considering the health status of the recipient, and 98.1% feel that OD should be promoted. Some negative findings were as follows: less knowledge about some uncommon organs that can be donated, for example, blood vessels, bone, intestine, and heart valves; 76.3% students do not know the process of registering while 84.4% have not registered/pledged for OD. Average knowledge about law related to OD was also poor, i.e., 1.87. Conclusion: Overall KAP for OD was positive for except for a few issues. There is need to add some OD related topic/s in the pharmacy curriculum.

Background: Self-medication practice is common among health care professionals due to their professional exposure to drugs and knowledge of treatment of their disease. Objective: The aim was to assess self-medication practice among medical, pharmacy, and nursing students in a tertiary care hospital, Pune. Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out over a period of three months. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: A total of 318 students participated in the survey; among them106 were medical, 106 were nurses and 106 were Pharmacy students. Out of the total participants, 52.5% were females. Among them, 280 (87.5%) were practicing self- medication. Most drugs for self-medication were obtained from the pharmacy or drug shops, and the most commonly used drugs were non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs(81.2%) and antipyretics (67.6%) and antibiotics (35.0%). However, 112 (35.0%) of health care professional students had received antibiotics without medical prescription in the past few months. Common reported illnesses were fever and chills (62.5%) followed by headache (40.0%) and common cold(35.0%).The main reasons for self- medication was that their knowledge about drugs and diseases helped them (67%) and their health problem was not serious(65%). 40 (12.0%) were against self -medication practice and their reasons were fear of misdiagnosis of illness and adverse effect of drugs. Conclusion: Our study concluded that self-medication was practiced with a range of drugs among health care professional students. Educating the students and creating awareness among them may decrease the chance of self-medication practice.