Novel drug delivery systems

Oral dosage forms are the most popular way of taking medication, despite having some disadvantages compared with other methods like risk of slow absorption of the medicament, which can be overcome by administering the drug in liquid form, therefore, possibly allowing the use of a lower dosage. However, instability of many drugs in liquid dosage form limits its use. Effervescent technique can be used as alternate to develop a dosage form which can accelerate drug disintegration and dissolution, is usually applied in quick release preparations. Along with the development of new pharmaceutical technique, effervescent tablet are more and more extensively to adjust the behaviour of drug release, such as in sustained and controlled release preparations, pulsatile drug delivery systems, and so on. This review demonstrated the new applying of effervescent technique in effervescent tablets. Keywords: Effervescent Tablet, Sustained release, Floating Delivery System

The objective of this research is to formulate and evaluate Solid Lipid Nanoparticles containing Acyclovir by various phospholipids and surfactants using hot homogenization technique. Totally nine batches of SLN was formulated by hot homogenization technique and evaluates for PS,ZP,PI,Drug content, Entrapment efficiency, Invitro drug release studies and Invitro release kinetics studies. From the data's, it was concluded that hot homogenization technique method followed by ultrasonication was an optimized technique for the preparation of SLN nanoparticles containing Acyclovir, which lead to better results like high entrapment efficiency, high drug content and SLS was a better choice of surfactant to reduce the particle size and leads to uniform distribution of SLN in its phase. So, SLN will be an alternative drug delivery system for acyclovir to enhance the bioavailability and therapeutic response of drug.

Epilepsy is abnormal, high frequency electrical discharge in brain characterized by transient episode (seizure)
with or without loss of consciousness and characteristic body movement (convulsion). Among many drug of
antiepileptic drug, Divalproex sodium is considered as the most important antiepileptic drug and widely used for
treatment of epilepsy. The present work has been done to formulate sustained release tablets of divalproex
sodium containing HPMC K4M and HPMC K100M as release retarding agent. The FTIR study revealed that
there was no interaction between drug and polymer and combination can be safely prepared. The tablets were
prepared by wet granulation technique using PVP K30 solution as binding agent. Tablets were evaluated for
hardness, thickness, weight variation, disintegration time, drug content and in vitro drug release. All the physical
parameters were in acceptable limit of pharmacopeial specification. The in vitro release of sustained release
tablet was carried out for 18 hours using USP type-II apparatus (DS-1800) at 100 rpm for the first 45 minute in
900 ml 0.1N HCL maintaining at 37 ± 0.50C and then at phosphate buffer pH 6.8 in 900ml for another 18 hour.
The optimized formulation (F8) was found to exhibit more than 90% after 18 hours. Further the drug release of
sustained release tablets was compared with the conventional tablet which was prepared by using 5% micro
crystalline cellulose (MCC) as disintegrating agent. The stability studies, shown the optimized tablets of
immediate release formulation were stable at 400C / 75% RH for a period of 3 months.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. In 1994, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as a class I (definite) carcinogen, as H. pylori infection is considered an important trigger in the process of carcinogenesis of both types of distal gastric cancer. Over the last decade, it has been widely reported that the success of H. pylori eradication treatment is falling. Over the last decade, it has been widely reported that the success of H. pylori eradication treatment is falling. Because conventional drug delivery systems do not remain in the stomach for prolonged periods, they are unable to deliver the antibiotics to the site of infection in effective concentrations and in fully active forms. It is therefore necessary to design drug delivery systems that cannot only alleviate the shortcomings of conventional delivery vehicles but also deliver the antimicrobials to the infected cell lines. To improve therapy against H. pylori infection by achieving bactericidal concentrations of antimicrobial agents in the stomach, novel formulations adhering to the gastric mucosa and releasing the drug at the site of infection would be significantly more effective than conventional systemically administered therapies. This review article discusses the role of novel drug delivery systems in stomach specific anti-Helicobacter Pylori Therapy.

Objective(s): The aim of present study is to formulate mefenamic acid transdermal gel based on vesicular drug delivery approaches. Materials and Methods: For the preparation of mefenamic acid transdermal gel, transfersomes were selected as colloidal carriers. Transfersomes were prepared by hand shaking and thin film hydration techniques. The obtained transfersomes were characterized for vesicular diameter, zeta potential, drug content, entrapment efficiency and in vitro diffusion studies. Results: Among Different formulations of transfersomes, T10(prepared by thin film hydration and containing soya lecithin: span60 ratio 1:2) was considered as the best formulation because of its mean vesicular diameter of 369 nm, zeta potential of-14 mV, drug content of 99.6%, entrapment efficiency of 84.4%, and sustained drug release of 93.3% after 12 h.T10 formulation was incorporated into gel. Comparative study was made among plain gel, and transfersomal gel. Among these two gels, transfersomal gel considered as best because of its highest drug content (91%), spreadability (43.5 g.cm/sec), pH (6.9) and sustained drug release profile for 12 h. Conclusion: By comparing hand shaking and thin film hydration techniques, it was found thin film hydration technique produced better results and transfersomal gel was indicated better results than plain gel.

A new capsule-type dosage form was investigated to approximate the chronobiology of rheumatoid arthritis for
colonic targeting. The system was designed by imparting a timed-release function and a pH-sensing function to a hard
gelatin capsule. The technical characteristics of the system are to contain Succinic acid together with physical mixture
of Etoricoxib (1:6ratio) in a capsule coated with a three-layered film consisting of an acid-soluble polymer, a watersoluble
polymer, and an enteric polymer. In order to find the suitable formulation, various formulation factors were
investigated through a series of in-vitro dissolution studies. The ability of colon targeted drug capsule to provide colon
specific drug delivery was assessed by in vitro drug release studies in buffer solution at pH 1.2 for 2 h, and at pH
6.8(Simulated colonic fluid) for remaining hour. The results indicated that all the formulations shown no drug release
in the stomach but the major portion of the drug was released in the colon and the drug release pattern was found to
be F4>F3>F2>F1. From the analysis, it was found that, a predictable timed-release mechanism of a drug can be
attained by adjusting the loading amount of Succinic acid. The outer enteric coating with cellulose acetate phthalate
provided acceptable acid-resistibility. All these results suggested that this approach can provide a useful and practical
means for colon-targeted delivery of drugs.

A primary object of using mucoadhesive formulations orally would
achieve a substantial increase in the length of stay of the drug in GI
tract  stability  problem  in  the  intestinal  fluid  can  be  improved.
Mucoadhesive  microsphere  carrier  systems  were  made  from  the
biodegradable polymers in sustained drug delivery. The objective of
the  present  study  is  related  to  the  preparation  and  evaluation  of
mucoadhesive  microspheres  of  simvastatin  by  using  different
polymers like Sodium alginate, HPMC K100M, Sodium CMC, Ethyl
cellulose, Methyl cellulose, Guar gum, Xanthan gum and Carbopol
940 in different ratios by the Ionic deletion method. The prepared
batches of mucoadhesive microspheres of simvastatin were evaluated
for  the  flow  properties;  drug  content,  entrapment  efficiency,  and
Percent mucoadhesive property, in vitro dissolution studies of all 12
formulations were performed. From the all batches F10 (Drug: Sod.
Alginate: Methyl cellulose 1:2:1) batch is considered to be the most
promising formulation batch because among all the batches it shows
better  extent  of  drug  release  97.11%  (8hrs),  good  entrapment
efficiency  (78%),  and  in  vitro  wash-off  test  shows  the  good
mucoadhesive property. Simvastatin release from alginate – Methyl
cellulose (F10)  was  slow and extended over a period of 8 hrs and
these microspheres were found suitable for the oral controlled release
formulation.

Olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) is a prodrug of Olmesartan, a selective AT1 subtype angiotensin-II receptor antagonist for the treatment of hypertension. The purpose of the study was to enhance the aqueous solubility of OLM by three different approaches; solid dispersion (SD), complexation and selfemulsification. The SD was prepared by solvent evaporation method using poloxamer188 as a carrier. In complexation technique, inclusion complex of drug and β-cyclodextrin was formulated following solvent evaporation technique. In selfemulsification method soya bean oil, tween 80 and PEG 400 were used as oil, surfactants and co-surfactant respectively. The prepared formulations were characterized for compatibility, drug content, saturation solubility,dissolution studies and stability studies. FT-IR study revealed no interaction between drug and excipients. Among all methods solid dispersion (SD3) containing drug: poloxamer188 in the ratio of 1:4 showed rapid and higher drug release (88.36% within 45 min). The in-vitro drug release data was fitted to various kinetic models and all the formulations showed first order kinetics following super case II mechanism. The increase in dissolution rate of Olmesartan medoxomil from solid dispersion of poloxamer 188 might be due to reduction of crystal size of the drug, conversion of

This study was performed to asses and establishes the prevalence of Polypharmacy in geriatric population in the Medicine ward of Rajah Muthaiya Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, during one year from January 2013 to January 2014. Demographic analyses of this prospective study revealed that out of 520 patients, 342 (65.76%) were males and 178 (34.23%) were females. All the collected prescriptions were scrutinized for Polypharmacy and were categorized as minor Polypharmacy -concurrent use of ≤ 5 drugs; and major Polypharmacy -concurrent use of > 5 drugs. Out of 502 Prescriptions 61(11.73%) prescriptions were minor Polypharmacy and 457(88.26%) prescriptions were major Polypharmacy. The maximum patients were in the age group of 60-64 (38.84%) range lead to a significant increase in the number of medications. The most common diseases associated systems were Cardiovascular system 147 (28.26 %) patients, and followed by Respiratory system 103(19.80%). Our results show that there is a higher prevalence of Polypharmacy among the males than females. The length of hospital stay of geriatric patients is increase in major Polypharmacy compare with minor Polypharmacy. The prevalence of cardiovascular drugs and respiratory drugs were often involved in Polypharmacy among geriatric patients. Polypharmacy is very common among geriatric patient and health care professional’s interventions to improve the optimal use of medication in geriatric could lead to reduction in the drug related problems associated with Polypharmacy.

Background and Purpose: According to Process Analytical Technology perspective, drug product quality should be ensured by manufacturing process design. Initial step of the process analysis is investigation of critical process parameters (CPPs). Quality is considered to be the major tool in pharmaceutical industry and failures in the quality of upcoming new chemical entities have been seen in the recent years due to complications in the formulation process. This paper describes the use of Design of Experiments tool for selection of the CPPs. Methods: Albumin microspheres were prepared by heat denaturation method. Different factors like Drug Conc., amount of Tween, Glutaraldehyde conc., Stirring speed were selected as independent variables at two levels in the Plackett and Burman (PB) design. By using software the effect of different factors were studied. The microspheres were characterized for percentage burst effect, percentage encapsulation efficiency. Results: The CPPs affecting encapsulation efficiency were Drug Conc., amount of Tween, Glutaraldehyde conc., Stirring speed. FTIR study showed compatibility of the drug with excipients without having any significant interactions. Conclusion: The study concludes that the statistical PB design could be useful to identify influencing variables such as Drug Conc., amount of Tween, Glutaraldehyde conc., Stirring speed.

Delivery of drugs is always been a challenge and is the most important aspect in formulation. Drugs are usually delivered via different delivery systems and selection of the system depends on drug solubility, bio availability, half life, site of action, etc. Oral delivery is usually the most preferred route of drug administration, and there have been many advances in controlling the release rate of a drug and its bioavailability. Increased patient compliance is important for any Drug delivery system. Many patients do not adhere to a regime of prescribed drugs because of difficulty in administration or the taste of a drug. So it is vital to ensure the convenient administration of a drug. In the present work, fast dissolving tablets of Labetalol were prepared using novel
co-processed superdisintegrants and physical mixtures consisting of crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate in the different ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and in vice versa. Labetalol is a drug of choice which is used in treatment of Hypertension and Angina. Drug compatibility with excipients was checked by FTIR studies. After examining the flow properties of the powder blends the results are found to be with in prescribed limits and indicated good flow properties. It was then subjected to tablet compression. All the formulations were subjected to post compression parameters like hardness and friability and they showed good mechanical strength and resistance. The wetting time is an important criteria for understanding the capacity of disintegrants to swell in the presence of little amount of water and were found to be in the range of 21 to 55 sec. Among all the designed formulations, formulation F5 was found to be promising and it showed an in-vitro disintegration time of 21 sec, which facilitates its faster disintegration in the mouth. The formulation F5containing co-processed
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
SJIF Impact Factor 5.045
Volume 3, Issue 6, 735-754. Research Article ISSN 2277 – 7105
Article Received on
20 May 2014,
Revised on 20 June 2014,
Accepted on 31 July 2014
*Correspondence for
Author
Manoj Varma Gottumukkala
Department Of Pharmaceutics, S.A.C.College Of Pharmacy, B.G.Nagara, Karnataka India
manojvarma1410@gmail.com
www.wjpr.net Vol 3, Issue 6, 2014.
736
Gottumukkala et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
superdisintegrant(3:1 mixture of crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate) emerged as the overall best formulation based on drug release characteristics with 6.8 pH Phosphate buffer as dissolution medium. Short-term stability studies on promising formulation F5 indicating no significant changes in hardness, drug content and in-vitro drug release. From this study, it can be concluded that dissolution rate of Labetalol FDTs can be enhanced by the use of co-processed superdisintegrants.

ABSTRACT
Dimenhydrinate is a salt of Diphenhydramine and 8-
chlorotheophylline. Diphenhydramine is an Antihistaminic drug that is
antagonistic at the H1receptor in order to prevent and treat nausea and
motion sickness. 8-chlorotheophylline is added to counteract
drowsiness triggered by diphenhydramine. Dimenhydrinate mouth
dissolving tablets were prepared by direct compression technique by
using mannitol as a diluent, crospovidoneand sodium starch glycolate
as a superdisintegrants, Aspartame as a sweetening agent which is
suitable for diabetic patients. Drug compatibility with excipients was
checked by FTIR studies. After examining the flow properties of the
powder blends, the results are found to bewithin prescribed limits and indicated good flow
property, it was subjected to tablet compression. All the formulations were subjected to post
compression parameters such ashardness and friability (≤1%), indicated that tablets had a
good mechanical strength and resistance.Percentage cumulative drug release was found to be
in the range of 87.08 to 94.35 %. The wetting time was found to be in the range of 15.9±0.62
to 32.4±0.47 seconds. Among all the designed formulations, formulation MDF2 was found to
be promising and displayed an in-vitro disintegration time, in-vitro dispersion time of
10.57±0.93 and 25.87±1.29 seconds respectively, which facilitates its faster disintegration
and dispersion in the mouth.Depend upon percentage cumulative drug release, in-vitro
disintegration time, in-vitro dispersion time, wetting time results, oneformulationMDF2 were
selected for stability studies and subjected at 400C/75%RH for 2 months. Formulations
MDF2 found tobe stable after performing physical and chemical parameters at suitable
intervals.

Purpose: The main objective of present study is to formulate and evaluate methyl cellulose based in situ periodontal gel of Atorvastatin. Approach: The in situ gel was prepared by using different concentration of methyl cellulose and gel was evaluated for pH, viscosity and rheology, syringeability, drug content, in vitro drug release, and drug release kinetics. Findings: Compatibility study was performed using FTIR and results showed there was no interaction between drug and other excipients. Viscosity of all formulations was found in the range of 320-570 centipoise and all formulations exhibited pseudoplastic behaviour. Gelation time and temperature was found in the range of 6-17 min and 29o-39o respectively. All the formulation except formulation G6 and G7 showed satisfactory syringeability due to lower concentration of polymer. Based on the results of release study, formulation G5 was found to be optimum formulation as it released 96.87% drug at the end of 24 h. In vitro release study revealed that release rate of drug from the in situ gel was concentration dependent; as concentration of methyl cellulose increased the drug release rate was retarded. Conclusion: It can be concluded that formulation containing 0.9%w/v of methyl cellulose gave optimized formulation.

The aim of the present work is to design oral disintegrating tablet of Amlodipine besylate using superdisintegrants like cross povidone, cross carmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate at concentrations of 5 – 20 %. sweetening agents and flavouring agents were added for better mouth feel. Oral disintegrating tablet of Amlodipine besylate were prepared by direct compression method. The prepared powdered blend of the formulations were evaluated for precompression properties like angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, Hausner’s ratio, Carr’s compressibility index. The results showed that the powder blend has good flow properties. The prepared tablets were evaluated for post compression parameters like weight variation, thickness, hardness, wetting time, content uniformity, in vitro disintegrating time and friability. The results were found to be uniform within the pharmacopoeial limits. The effect of superdisintegrants on in-vitro release of drug has been studied. Among the...

The  present  investigation  concerns  with  the  development,
optimization  and  evaluation  of  an  enteric  coated  tablets  of
Erythromycin  stearate.  Tablets  were  prepared  by  wet  granulation
method. Enteric coating of  Erythromycin stearate tablets were done
using  two  hydrophilic  polymers  like  ethyl  cellulose  and  pectin  by
multivariate ANOVA method by alternating the 2 variables X and Y
in rows and columns.  Polyethylene glycol was used as a plasticizer
while Isopropyl alcohol & water was incorporated as a solvent. The
effects of polymers and Isopropyl alcohol as a binder on drug release
profile, gastro-resistant properties and matrix integrity of tablet were
investigated.  Developed  formulations  were  evaluated  for  their
physical  characteristics,  drug  content,  disintegration  time,  friability,
hardness,  thickness,  swelling  index,  weight  variation,  In  vitro  drug
release  profile  etc.  On  the  basis  of  various  physical  characteristics
parameters, it was found that all the formulat ions shows good result.
On  comparative  kinetic  modeling  study  such  as  (Zero  order,  First
order,  Higuchi  model  and  Korsmeyer-Peppas)  it  was  found  that  all
the  formulations  follow  Higuchi  model  and  correlation  coefficient
(R
2
)  values  were  nearer  to  unity.  Among  those  formulations,  F4
showed  R
2
value  of  Higuchi  model  more  near  as  compared  to  the
other formulation.

The  purpose  of  this  study  was  to  develop  prednisoloneloaded  microsponges  for  colon  specific  drug  delivery.  The  microsponges
formulations  were  prepared  by  quasi-emulsion  solvent  diffusion  method employing eudragit RS 100 as a polymer. The compatibility of the drug with formulation  components  was  established  by  Fourier  Transform  Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy.  Afterwards, microsponge formulations were prepared by  gradually  increasing  the  drug:  polymer  ratio.  The  surface  morphology, particle  size,  production  yield,  and  drug  entrapment  efficiency  of microsponges  were  examined.  Shape  and  surface  morphology  of  the microsponges were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Particle size of prepared microsponges was observed in the range of 465 ± 12.5 to
82.2  ±  15  µm.  The  drug  entrapment  efficiency  of  the  microsponges  was found  in  the  range  of  53.38  ±  0.95  to  91.75  ±  1.60  %.  The  in-vitro dissolution studies of microsponges in the media with different pH (1.2, 7.4 and 6.8) showed that drug release in colon could be controlled by Eudragit RS 100.  It was observed that the release kinetics on the basis of the highest r2 values best fitted a zero-order kinetic model.  Cumulative release for the microsponges over 8 h ranged from 48 - 87 %. Plasma drug concentration of drug was also studied for optimized formulation and C max, Tmax , and AUC
(area under curve) was also observed.

Transdermal patches of nifedipine with different composition of PVP and PVA polymers were prepared by moulding technique. The physicochemical parameters
such as appearance, thickness, weight, folding endurance, moisture absorption, percentage elongation and tensile strength were evaluated. Patches containing 3:2
ratio of PVA: PVP were found to be yellow in color, homogenous and flexible compared to others. The thickness and weight of all patches were in the range of
0.12 to 0.28 mm and 17.26 to 38.60 mg/cm2 respectively. Moisture absorption was increased as the concentration of PVP was increased. All the patches exhibited
adequate folding endurance and good drug content uniformity. In vitro release profiles of the drug from different patches were studied using abdominal skin of
albino rats and modified Keshary Chein diffusion cell. In vitro drug release studies were extended up to 24 hrs and it was found that, as the concentration of PVP
increased the drug release was also increased. Polymers and their combination influenced the film properties as well as the release characteristics. Effect of
penetration enhancers on the in- vitro permeation of nifedipine across rat abdominal skin was carried out for patches with 3 different types of penetration
enhancers showed all the patches with permeation enhancer increased the permeation of the drug from the membrane.

Nanosponges are the new and advanced drug delivery systems which have currently emerged as an outcome of rapid advances in nanotechnology. They are designed to target the drug in a controlled way. They are capable of prolonging, localizing and targeting the drug and then show protected drug interaction with the diseased tissue. The main challenges faced in recent times in drug manufacturing are Bioavailability and the Side effects of the formulation. Even a potent drug could be lethal if delivered at the wrong site. So, to overcome these flaws the “Nanosponges” are gaining demand in recent times. Nanosponges are the unconventional molecules made up of cyclodextrins and are capable of holding molecules within their structures. Nanosponges can be loaded with hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic substances and they can easily improve the solubility of poorly water soluble molecules. They have small pore size of 0.25μm which helps in prevention from penetration of bacteria into the pores and this is why it is called as “Self Sterilizing”. Apart from their application in the drug delivery field, potential applications exist for cosmetics, biomedicine, bioremediation processes, agro chemistry, and catalysis.

Drug, gene, and protein delivery is a very challenging and exciting area in nanobiotechnology where block copolymers are increasingly considered especially as carriers for pharmacotherapy of various cancers. Cancer chemotherapy is particularly challenging because of nonselective distribution of drugs, associated severe toxicity, multidrug resistance, and chronic treatments influencing the quality-adjusted life of patients. These limitations lead to incomplete cure and render many drugs ineffective in treating cancers. Liposomes are currently more advanced in clinical trials and industrial developments but they lack stability and pose difficulties in functionalizing liposomes. More recently, various types of polymer-based nanoconstructs have been designed and synthesized, and are being investigated for the cancer chemotherapy applications. This review discusses the most significant and recent developments on specific self-assembled block copolymers as a carrier system such as micelles and vesicles, which can be successfully used to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, helpful in targeting selective sites in the body, delivering active molecules in a control manner, and reducing the side effects in the treatment of cancer.

The present study is aimed at improving the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drug, aceclofenac. It is very slightly soluble in water and hence orally administered drug is less bioavailable. In order to enhance the bioavailability it is necessary to improve its solubility, hence the solid dispersion technique was adopted to enhance solubility. The solid dispersions were prepared in different proportions using hydrophilic carriers like Urea and Mannitol. The dissolution rate studies were performed in both simulated gastric fluid and simulated intestinal fluid. It is observed that the dissolution was affected by the acidity of the medium. Solid dispersions gave faster dissolution rate when compared to corresponding physical mixture and pure drug. In vivo absorption and anti-inflammatory activity studies of solid dispersions also confirmed the above results. The FTIR and DSC studies revealed that there is no interaction between drug and carriers and the drug, aceclofenac is stable in solid dispersions.

Microspheres are well accepted technique to control the drug release from the dosage form to improve
bioavailability, reduce absorption difference in patients, reduce the dosing frequency and adverse effects during
prolong treatment. The main objective of the present study is to prepare and evaluate ketoprofen microspheres by
solvent evaporation method, with water insoluble polymers using as carrier for oral administration in view to
achieve oral controlled release of the drug and to protect the gastric mucous membrane from drug irritation.
Ketoprofen is potent NSAID having anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic properties. It is readily absorbed from
the gastrointestinal tract and peak plasma concentrations occur about 0.5–2 h after a dose, but it causes a certain
irritation in the gastrointestinal mucous membrane and possesses a bitter taste and aftertaste. The half-life in
plasma is about 2–3 h. Preformulation studies performed were comply with the standards. Compatibility studies
revealed there was no interaction between the drug and polymers. The various evaluation parameters were given
the positive results. From the surface morphology studies, it is observed that it is smooth, uniform and they are
spherical in shape.In-vitrodissolution studies wereshowed that the release of drug from microspheres was
optimum. All the microspheres were stable with respective storage condition.

This paper aims to answer how has the illegal drug trade changed with the rise of Dark web illicit markets. In order to do so, this paper is divided into four chapters which critically analyse a number of factors that influenced the change and gives a broad look on how it has changed. Each chapter will emphasize on factors such as anonymity, hidden and hard to track cryptocurrencies, accessibility and structure. As it can be further noted, a focus on drugs will be made in combination with
an in depth analysis on the actual methods being used during the process. It will further
examine the virtual structures of illicit drug markets on the Dark Web and compare them to
the network structures of traditional black markets (ground). The purpose behind examining
these two different types of illicit structures is to understand the evolution of illicit markets in
combination with the core similarities and differences as well as possible interactions
between the two. The idea behind the production and use of hard to track cryptocurrency will
be analyzed in combination with illicit product accessibility and the influence anonymity has
had on the market.
This paper argues that technological innovations such as encryption, cryptocurrencies and
browsing are key factors that influence the change and transition of drug markets into the
digital world. Having to grant an access to a catalog of illicit substances, option to order
online whist having the product delivered to your door and all of this anonymously has attract
a wide range of audience in recent years. The newly developed and ongoing dark web drug
markets has greatly influenced both the decision of the buyer as well as the seller to replace
the old market structure with a more secure and innovative one.

The development of novel nanomaterials and their use in biomedicine has received much attention in recent years. Significant advances
have been made in the synthesis of nanomaterials with controlled geometry, physicochemical properties, surface charge, and surface tailoring
with bioactive polymers. These successful efforts have resulted in improved biocompatibility and active targeting of tumour tissues,
leading to the development of a diverse range of nanomaterials that can recognize cancers, deliver anticancer drugs and destroy tumours by a
variety of therapeutic techniques. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the nanomaterials that have been devised for the
detection and treatment of various types of cancer, as well as to underline the emerging possibilities of nanomaterials for applications in
anticancer therapy.
From the Clinical Editor: In this comprehensive review, the current state-of-the art of nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment is
presented. Emerging possibilities and future concepts are discussed as well.
© 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize some of the interesting findings and applications of modified chitosan (MCS) and their derivatives in different areas of drug delivery. This review highlights the important applications of MCS in the design of various novel delivery systems like liposomes, microspheres, microcapsules, and nanoparticles. In addition to their well-known effects on drug solubility and dissolution, bioavailability, safety, and stability, their uses as recipients in drug formulation are also discussed. This review also focuses on various factors influencing inclusion complex formation because an understanding of the same is necessary for proper handling of these versatile materials. Some important considerations in selecting MCS in drug formulation such as their commercial availability, regulatory status, and patent status are also summarized.

The drugs of biological origins have attracted the attention of many pharmaceutical companies where it is essential to protect the heterogeneous nature and the optimal three dimensional structures of the different macromolecules. These molecules are used in both the investigation and therapy purposes, so their maximum activities should be maintained. This requires the designing of certain delivery formulations that suits the macromolecule nature, its target organ, the required dose and delivery route, and that's why the biotech companies invest millions of dollars towards achieving that. The fi rst main focal point of this article includes the recent developments in the formulation technologies for several biomacromolecule classes. The second focal point concentrates on the current considerations for optimizing their delivery for a maximum performance in the body.

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and is widely used in the management of hypertension to reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction, and in the management of heart failure. The Mucoadhesive buccal tablets were prepared by direct compression method using carbopol 934, HPMC K4M, sodium CMC as mucoadhesive polymer. The compatibility studies of drug and excipients were performed by FT-IR spectroscopy. After examining the flow properties of the powder blends the results are found to be within prescribed limits and indicated good flowing property, hence it was subjected to tablet compression. The tablets were evaluated for post-compression parameters like weight variation, hardness, thickness, friability, drug content uniformity, Surface pH, in-vitro studies like swelling, mucoadhesive strength and drug release. Formulation (F6) containing Carbopol-934 and Sodium CMC in the ratio of (2: 3) showed good mucoadhesive strength (36.14) and maximum drug release of 98.15% in 8 hrs. Swelling increases with increase in concentration of Sodium CMC in tablets. The drug content of shown highest of 99.15 %, Surface pH was found to be 6.42. All the evaluation parameters given the positive results and comply with the standards. Stability studies were carried out on the developed formulations indicated that the formulations were stable during the study period. The results indicate that the mucoadhesive buccal tablets of Candesartan may be good choice to bypass the extensive hepatic first pass metabolism with an improvement in the bioavailability of candesartan through buccal mucosa.
Key Words: Mucoadhesive buccal tablets, direct compression, Hypertension, Candesartan cilexetil,

ABSTRACT
Background and purpose of the study: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the
most common joint disorder worldwide. Generally, oral dosage forms
are used for the treatment of OA but they have some disadvantages like
slow absorption and thus, onset of action is prolong. This can be
overcome by administrating the drug in liquid form but, many APIs
have limited level of stability in liquid form. Recently, effervescent
drug delivery systems have started gaining popularity, because they are
easy to administer and lead to better compliance. The aim of this study
is to formulate effervescent tablet with sufficient mechanical integrity
and to achieve faster disintegration in water. Method: They are
intended to be dissolved or dispersed in water before use. The study was designed to assess
the treatment for osteoarthritis by using combination of drugs such as Ibuprofen,
Glucosamine and Vitamin E in an effective way. The dosage of Ibuprofen is reduced by
addition of glucosamine sulphate (nutraceutical) on an assumption that the activity of
ibuprofen may be enhanced by nutraceutical. The formulations were subjected to various
evaluation tests. Results: All the formulations have shown good effervescence when placed
in 100 ml of water. The resultant solution appeared clear indicating the solubility of
ingredients in water. The friability and hardness of formulations are in the acceptable range.
The Angle of Repose (θ), Hausner’s Ratio and Carr’s Compressibility Index (%) revealed
that the formulations have good flow property. The solution time, CO2 and moisture content
of all the formulations are in the acceptable range. Conclusion: All the results concluded that
effervescent tablet preparation containing ibuprofen in combination with glucosamine

A  simple,  robust,  precise  HPLC  method  was  developed  and  the
method  has  been  validated  for  the  estimation  of  valsartan  and
nebivolol  simultaneously  in  its  combined  dosage  forms  as  well  as
individual formulations. Both the compounds are well resolved in a
isocratic  method  by  using  the  mobile  phase  composition  of
acetonitrile: methanol: pH4.0 0.02M Potassium hydrogen phosphate
buffer in the ratio of 50:20:30 v/v at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min using a
C-18 column. The detection was carried out at 210nm.. The retention
time  of  Nebivolol  and  Valsartan  were  2.5  min  and  4.3  min
respectively.  The  developed  method  was  validated  for  specificity,
linearity,  precision,  accuracy,  limit  of  detection  (LOD),  limit  of
quantification (LOQ) and robustness as per ICH guidelines. Linearity
for Nebivolol and Valsartan were found in the range of 48-112 µg/ml
and  3.0-7.0  µg/ml,  respectively.  The  percentage  recoveries  for
Nebivolol  and  Valsartan  ranged  from  98.9-100.8  %  and  98.9-101.1
%,  respectively.  The  proposed  method  could  be  used  for  routine
analysis of Nebivolol and Valsartan in their combined dosage forms

Nanohydrogel combines the advantages of hydrogel and nano particulate systems. Similar to the hydrogel and macrogel, nanohydrogel can protect the drug and control drug release by stimuli responsive conformation or biodegradable bond into the polymer networks. Nanohydrogel has drawn huge interest due to their potential applications, such as carrier in target-specific controlled drug delivery, absorbents, chemical/biological sensors, and bio-mimetic materials. Similar to the nanoparticles, stimuli responsive nanohydrogel can easily be delivered in the liquid form for parenteral drug delivery application. This review highlights the methods to prepare nanohydrogel based on natural and synthetic polymers for diverse applications in drug delivery. It also encompasses the drug loading and drug release mechanism of the nanohydrogel formulation and patents related to the composition and chemical methods for preparation of nanohydrogel formulation with current status in clinical trials.

In the present work fast dissolving tablets of Montelukast sodium were prepared using novel co-processed superdisintegrants consisting of crospovidone and sodium starch glycolate in the different ratios (1:1, 1:2 & 1:3) in vice versa. Montelukast sodium is a drug of choice in treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. Drug compatibility with excipients was checked by FTIR studies. After examining the flow properties of the powder blends the results were found to be within prescribed limits and indicated good flowing property and it was subjected to tablet compression. All the formulations were subjected to post compression parameters like hardness and friability (≤1%), indicated that tablets had a good mechanical strength and resistance. Drug content was found to be in the range of 93.51 to 98.79 %. The wetting time is an important criteria for understanding the capacity of disintegrants to swell in presence of little amount of water were found to be in the range of 20 to 55 sec. Among all the designed formulations, formulation F9 was found to be promising and showed an in-vitro disintegration time of 25 sec, which facilitates faster disintegration in the mouth. When compared to marketed product, the formulation F9 containing co-processed superdisintegrant (1:3 mixture of sodium starch glycolate and crospovidone) emerged as the overall best formulation based on drug release characteristics with 0.5% SLS in distilled water as dissolution medium. Short-term stability studies on promising formulation F9 indicated that there were no significant changes in hardness, drug content and in-vitro drug release. From this study, it can be concluded that dissolution rate of Montelukast sodium FDTs could be enhanced by tablets containing co-processed superdisintegrant.

Background: Topical drug administration offers an attractive route with minimal invasiveness. It also avoids limitations of intravenous administration such as the first pass metabolism and presystemic elimination within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, topical drug administration is safe, have few side effects, is easy to apply, and offers a fast onset of action. However, the development of effective topical formulations still represents a challenge for the desired effect to be reached, locally or systemically. Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanos-tructured lipid carriers are particular candidates to overcome the problem of topical drug administration. The nanometric particle size of lipid nanoparticles favors the physical adhesion to the skin or mucosal, what can also be attained with the formation of hybrid (nanoparticles/polymer) systems. Methods: In this review, we discuss the major challenges for lipid nanoparticles formulations for topical application to oral mucosa, skin, and eye, highlighting the strategies to improve the performance of lipid nanoparticles for topical applications. Next, we critically analyzed the in vitro and in vivo approaches used to evaluate lipid nanoparticles performance and toxicity. Conclusion: We addressed some major drawbacks related to lipid nanoparticle topical formulations and concluded the key points that have to be overcome to help them to reach the market in topical formulations to oral mucosa, skin, and eye.

Nanotechnology is emerging as a field in pharmacy and medicine that is expected to elicit significant therapeutic benefits especially in the field of drug targeting. The development of effective nanocarriers capable of carrying therapeutic agents specifically and safely to a desired site of action is one of the most challenging tasks facing drug formulation researchers. Serious research attempts had been conducted to reformulate and add new dimensions to the existing blockbuster therapeutic agents to achieve and maintain therapeutic breakthroughs. Integration of nanocarriers therapeutic agent delivery technologies in pre-formulation work accelerate the development of new therapeutic moieties and help in the reduction of attrition of new molecular entities caused by undesirable biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic properties. Careful modification of physicochemical properties of nanocarriers provides improved control over the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the encapsulated therapeutic agents relative to free drugs that would typically lead to a superior therapeutic index of the encapsulated agent. Nanocarriers vary from biological substances such as albumins, proteins, peptides, and phospholipid liposomes, to chemical substances such as biodegradable hydrogels, dendrimers, nanoemulsions, silicon or carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoshells, and magnetic nanocarriers.

The aim of the present work was to develop sustained release matrix
tablets of Lornoxicam using polymers such as carbopol, Eudragit
RS100, polyvinylpyrrolidone, ethyl cellulose, pectin as carriers in
various concentrations. Matrix tablets were prepared by direct
compression method. Prepared formulations were subjected to various
evaluation parameters like hardness, friability, thickness, % drug
content, weight variation etc. In-vitro dissolution studies were carried
out for 12 hrs. The tablets were subjected to in-vitro drug release in 1.2
pH for first 2 hrs then followed by 6.8 pH phosphate buffer for next 10
hrs and the results showed that among the ten formulations F2 and F4
showed good dissolution profile to control the drug release
respectively. Combination of polymers shows greater retarding of drug
release. The compatibility of the drug and polymer were determined by FT-IR spectroscopy.
Results showed that the drug was compatible with all polymers. The release data was fitted to
various mathematical models such as Higuchi, Korsmeyer-peppas, Hixson crowell, Zero
order and first order to evaluate the kinetics of drug release. The drug release follows mixed
order kinetics and mechanism was found to be non-fickian diffusion. The stability studies
were carried out according to the ICH guideline which indicates the selected formulation (F2
& F4) was stable. In conclusion, the results suggest that the developed matrix tablets of
Lornoxicam shows to improved efficacy and better patient compliance.

ABSTRACT
Corticosteroid drug budesonide conjugated with
-cyclodextrin through a spacer molecule. The coupling
produced budesonide-cyclodextrin conjugate (polymeric prodrug) in which the drug is selectively introduced at
one of the secondary hydroxyl group of cyclodextrins through an ester linkage. The aqueous solubility of the
conjugate (>2 %w/v) was much higher than that of budesonide and no appreciable release of drug was
observed in the stomach and small intestinal homogenates of rats. On the other hand fast disappearance of
conjugate and appearance of the drug was observed in the cecal and colon contents of rats. The present
budesonide - cyclodextrin conjugate may be of the value as an orally administered colon specific polymeric
prodrug and hence the direct effect of the drug in localized area is of much useful in the treatment of colon
related diseases like ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
KEY WORDS: Budesonide,
-cyclodextrin, colon specific, polymer-prodrug

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a unique challenge for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). The BBB consists of a continuous layer of specialized endothelial cells linked together by tight junctions, pericytes, nonfenestrated basal lamina, and astrocytic foot processes. This complex barrier controls and limits the systemic delivery of therapeutics to the CNS. Several innovative strategies have been explored to enhance the transport of therapeutics across the BBB, each with individual advantages and disadvantages. Ongoing advances in delivery approaches that overcome the BBB are enabling more effective therapies for CNS diseases. In this review, we discuss: (1) the physiological properties of the BBB, (2) conventional strategies to enhance paracellular and transcellular transport through the BBB, (3) emerging concepts to overcome the BBB, and (4) alternative CNS drug delivery strategies that bypass the BBB entirely. Based on these exciting advances, we anticipate that in the near future, drug delivery research efforts will lead to more effective therapeutic interventions for diseases of the CNS.

Transmucosal nasal delivery is a promising drug delivery
option where common drug administrations (e.g., intravenous,
intramuscular, or oral) are inapplicable. Recently, it has been
shown that many drugs have better bioavailability by nasal
route than by oral route. This has been attributed to rich
vasculature and a highly permeable structure of the nasal
mucosa coupled with avoidance of hepatic first-pass
elimination, gut wall metabolism and/or destruction in the
gastrointestinal tract. The physiology of the nose presents
obstacles, but offers a promising route for non-invasive
systemic delivery of numerous therapies and debatably drug
delivery route to the brain. To overcoming problems in nasal
drug delivery requires deep understanding of the various
factors affecting nasal delivery. Thus present review focuses on
various aspects of nasal drug delivery with special emphasis to
factors affecting nasal drug administration.

Phytosomes, are the tiny structures which serves as intermediate between the conventional and novel drug delivery system. These are the cells, which are able to carry themselves from a hydrophilic to the lipid environment of the cell membrane, which ultimately reaches the blood. The hydrophilic plant constituents, which find their application in skin disorders, anti-ageing possess and different type of carcinomas are difficult in processing into conventional delivery system and hence transformed into phytosomes. Phytosomes are the complexes prepared by mixing polyphenolic phytoconstituents and phosphatidylcholine in molar ratio. Phytosomes are superior to the conventional drug delivery systems in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Phytosomal delivery of the extracts of Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed, Green tea, Ginseng, etc. has been profitably used. Phytosomes have been refined for therapeutic uses like cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, anticancer, antidiabetic etc. or for preventive and health reasons. In the ever-expanding pharmaceutical horizon, exploration of Phytosome technology is much needed.