Amit Ambalal Patel

Schizophrenia is a long-term psychiatric disorder that generally requires long-term pharmacotherapy, where poor medication adherence and delayed therapeutic onset remain major challenges. The present study is focused on formulating, optimising, and evaluating soft chewable patient-friendly lozenges of brexpiprazole to improve dissolution, patient compliance, and drug absorption in individuals with schizophrenia. Soft chewable lozenges were prepared by a melt-pour method and optimised using a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. PEG 1000, acacia, and colloidal silica were selected as formulation variables, while hardness and the time required for 80% drug release were considered as responses. The prepared formulations were subjected to physicochemical evaluation, dissolution testing, and stability assessment. All batches underwent physicochemical evaluation parameters, including in vitro dissolution and stability. The optimised formulation (S8) underwent in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation on rabbits. Hardness values ranged between 2.2 and 5.6 kg/cm² and drug release times (80% release) of 18.55-26.23 min. The optimum results were observed for batch S8 with 96.12% drug release and low hardness (2.2 kg/cm²). In vivo studies confirmed improvement in drug absorption with reduced T_max (2 h) and increased C_max (34.86 ng/mL) in comparison with the reference standard. Stability testing confirmed the stability of the optimised formulation throughout the study period. The optimised soft chewable brexpiprazole lozenges are a potential dosage form with improved patient acceptability, increased adherence, and improved systemic absorption, thus supporting its potential in the management of schizophrenia.

Introduction: The present study focuses on the solubility and dissolution rate enhancement of Brexpiprazole with Hydroxy Propyl β-cyclodextrin and succinic acid as a solubiliser for schizophrenia. Materials & Method: Brexpiprazole was obtained as a gift sample from CTX Life sciences, Sachin, Surat. Hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin was gifted by Good Health Pvt. Ltd Sachin, Surat. Binary and ternary complexes were prepared using three different methods and characterized using the fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and invitro dissolution studies. Results: It was observed that among different ratios of drug and polymer used, 1:5 ratio of drug and polymer for binary complex was found to be the optimized and solvent evaporation method gave the best results. The ternary complex was then prepared using this ratio in different concentration of succinic acid (0.25, 0.5 and 1 % w/w) and optimum concentration of succinic acid as a solubiliser was of 1 %. The drug release was found to be maximum 92 % as compared to binary complex. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction results confirmed the formation of stable complex. Conclusions: It was concluded that ternary complex had maximum drug release of 92% at the end of 60 minutes resulting in solubility and dissolution rate enhancement.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) represents a pressing global health issue, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive research efforts, the escalation of DR-TB cases underscores the urgent need for enhanced prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. This review delves deep into the molecular and genetic origins of different types of DR-TB, highlighting recent breakthroughs in detection and diagnosis, including Rapid Diagnostic Tests like Xpert Ultra, Whole Genome Sequencing, and AI-based tools along with latest viewpoints on diagnosis and treatment of DR-TB utilizing newer and repurposed drug molecules. Special emphasis is given to the pivotal role of novel drugs and discusses updated treatment regimens endorsed by governing bodies, alongside innovative personalized drug-delivery systems such as nano-carriers, along with an analysis of relevant patents in this area. All the compiled information highlights the inherent challenges of current DR-TB treatments, discussing their complexity, potential side effects, and the socioeconomic strain they impose, particularly in under-resourced regions, emphasizing the cost-effective and accessible solutions. By offering insights, this review aims to serve as a compass for researchers, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing R&D to improve treatments and broaden access to crucial TB interventions. Graphical Abstract - The escalating burden of DR-TB represents a significant global health threat. - Effective strategies are needed for DR-TB's prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. - The review emphasizes DR-TB management with novel techniques and AI approaches. - It also focuses on relevant patents related to DR-TB management. - It underscores continuous research for effective DR-TB control challenges.

Intranasal drug delivery system provide distinct advantage over conventional drug delivery system for a drug that is pharmacokenetically or biologically unstable. Major concern for treatment of central nervous system diseases are law concentration of therapeutically active molecule within brain as blood brain barrier is creating obstacle, where intranasal drug delivery provides direct transport of therapeutically active moiety into brain via olfactory or trigeminal pathway. Nasal mucosa provides distinct advantage like improved bioavailability, law dose and quick onset of action and high patient compliance, major disadvantage is residence time of drug and irreversible entrapment of drug. This article provides anatomical and physiological information about nasal route and various factors. Article discusses various types of nanoparticles used intranasally and moreover article also emphasizes patents, formulation under development and some legal aspects regarding nano medicine.

Agomelatine (AGM) is a new antidepressant drug with a novel mechanism of action and fewer side effects compared with older antidepressants. AGM is a melatonin receptor (MT1 and MT2) agonist and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (5-HT_2C) antagonist. In the present study, the enhancement of the oral bioavailability of AGM was formulated and loaded into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), using ultrasonication method. In vitro and ex vivo drug release was performed using a dialysis bag and rat duodenum, respectively. Our pharmacodynamic study showed that AGM–NLCs are more efficacious than a pure drug and marketed product, and confocal microscopy revealed lymphatic uptake of AGM–NLCs. The present study concluded that the NLCs enhanced the oral bioavailability of AGM (6.5-fold) by avoiding its first-pass metabolism by way of lymphatic uptake.