Pharmaceutical Department Research Articles

Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern at Primary Health Centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

PTB Reports,2021,7,3,102-106.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2021.7.17Published:December 2021Type:Research ArticleAuthors:Zainab Albahooth, Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Samia Zaben Almurshadi, Hind Nasser Altamimi, and Abdulaziz Hussain Alhussain Author(s) affiliations:Zainab Albahooth, Primary Healthcare Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Health Affairs in Riyadh City, Ministry of Heath, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, BSc. Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE, Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists, TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Samia Zaben Almurshadi, Primary Health Care Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Health Affairs in Riyadh City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Hind Nasser Altamimi, Primary Health Care Quality Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Health Affairs in Riyadh City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Abdulaziz Hussain Alhussain, Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Care Department, Health Affairs in Riyadh City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: This study aims to identify antibiotic prescribing patterns in Riyadh’s Primary health care centers (PHCs). Methods: The study was a one-month cross-sectional medication prescription survey conducted at 25 PHCs in Riyadh. Results: A total of 18031 prescriptions were recorded in all 25 PHCs during the study period. Antibiotics were present in 3,879 (21.51%) of all prescriptions. The percentage of antibiotics prescribed varied from one primary care center to another; the highest documented percentage was 38.01 %. In comparison, the lowest proportion was discovered to be 10.56% of total antibiotics prescribed, with 3,131 (80.67 %) being bactericidal and 748 (19.3 %) being bacteriostatic. Capsules were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic dosage form 1,240 (32%), Amoxicillin was the antibiotic most frequently prescribed 1628 (42%), followed by a combination of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate 797 (20.5%). Of the total prescriptions, 2931 (75.6%) were written with generic names, while 948 (24.4%) were written with brand (trade) names. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic with a generic name (52.7%), while Amoxicillin/Clavulanate was the most usually prescribed antibiotic with the brand name “Augmentin” (69.4%). The frequency of antibiotics prescribed to patients who did not have a documented indication for Amoxicillin was 270. (6.9%). Conclusion: Antibiotics were prescribed in one-third of PHC prescriptions. Antimicrobial stewardship programs and training for healthcare professionals are needed at PHCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Keywords:Antibiotic, Pattern, Prescribing, Primary Health Centers, Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.View:PDF (384.73 KB) PDF PDF Images Figure 1: The percentage of prescriptions containing antibiotics at PHCs.

Theory and practice of pharmacy at the Military Medical Academy: formation and development history

The activity of the pharmaceutical school of the Military Medical (Medico-Surgical) Academy in various historical periods is presented to ensure the state interest and national security. Scientists and employees of the Academy have been training highly qualified pharmaceutical personnel for different levels of national health care for more than two centuries, and fundamental and applied research is conducted to create new drugs and medical devices, as well as organizing the provision of medical equipment to troops (forces). The role of the pharmaceutical profile department of the Academy includes textbook and teaching aid development, regulatory legal framework improvement that governs medical equipment provision, military units and military medical organizations in modern socio-economic conditions, and innovative sample creation of complete, medical, mobile, and special medical equipment. A brief description of dissertations in the field of pharmacy by the teaching staff and students of the Academy, which had a significant impact on the development of national health care, is given. The prospects for the introduction of advanced educational technologies for training cadets and students, residents, and masters, as well as researching within the framework of national projects in various scientific pharmaceutical specialties, are shown.

Metronidazole-induced Metallic Taste: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aims: This study aimed to estimate the incidence rate of metallic taste side effects in a patient who received metronidazole versus tinidazole and link it to the safety profile for metronidazole.
 Study Design: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study where written and revised in the pharmaceutical care department at general network for healthcare providers Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. between Mar 2021 and Dec 2021.
 Methodology: Literature searches were conducted in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4 software.
 Results: Our meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials studies confirm that there is a slight increase in the rate of metallic taste adverse effects. Around one-fifth of patients who were treated with tinidazole had developed an incidence rate (5.1%) higher than the patient who treated with metronidazole. Our data shows that the incidence rate of metallic taste adverse effects in patients who received metronidazole was 15.5% (58/373) while the incidence rate in patients who received tinidazole was 20.6% (104/505). But the overall rate of metallic taste adverse effects was not statistically significantly different (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.45 to 2.55; P = 0.87). also, there was statistical heterogeneity in the included studies (I2 = 75%).
 Conclusion: In our meta-analysis, the incidence rate of metronidazole-associated metallic taste adverse effects was slightly lower than the incidence rate of tinidazole-associated metallic taste adverse effects. It is not statistically significant as the result shows but still shifting the patient to metronidazole instead of tinidazole may decrease the incidence rate of metallic taste by (5.1%) and give good coverage for the microbial than tinidazole.

Formulation Consideration and Skin Retention-Permeation Study of Insitu Nanogel Containing Dimethylfumarate for Treatment of Psoriasis

Aims and Objective: to develop and evaluate an insitu nanogel formulation containing dimethylfumarate for targeted topical delivery therapy of psoriasis.
 Study Design: 32 full factorial design
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics, Parul Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, between 2016 to 2019.
 Methodology: Nanogel were formulated by chemical cross linked gel method using Polyvinyl alcohol and Hyaluronic acid (1:5) ratio using Glutaraldehyde (GA) (25 %w/v) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (6%v/v) as a crosslinking agent and catalyst. Dimethylfumarate loaded nanogel were clear and showed physicochemical parameters desired for topical delivery and stability.
 Results: The Permeation profile of dimethylfumarate through rat skin from selected nanogel formulation exhibited highest skin uptake. The Micoscopic observations indicated that the optimized nanogel had n significant effect on the microscopic structure of the sin and epithelial cells appered mostly unchanged. The surface epithelium lining and the granular cellular structure of the skin were totally intact. The developed Nanogel may be a potential drug delivery vehicle for targeted topical delivery of dimethylfumarate in the treatment of psoriasis.
 Conclusion: As per drug retention study the highest amount of drug retained on the skin and lowest amount of drug permeate to the skin. Hence it was observed that there was no significant correlation between skin retention and skin permeation study.

Early access programs and managed entry agreements for medicines in Italy: results of a Focus Group (Early Access Programs and Managed Entry Agreement).

Early access of medicines occurs with an uncertainty in the evidence even higher than the one experienced when price and reimbursement status is negotiated. Our aim is discussing the role of managed entry agreements (MEA) within early access programs (EAP) in Italy. The discussion relied on a Focus Group, participated by twelve experts, including clinicians and representatives of regulatory authorities, regional and local pharmaceutical departments, pharmaceutical companies, and an association advocating for active citizenship. The Focus Group emphasised that the topic under discussion should be embedded into a more general reform of EAP in Italy. The 648 List mostly includes mature products and indications that are rarely launched into the market afterwards. The 5% Fund is affected by an important administrative burden uncertainty of the timing of reimbursement. Starting from the discussion on MEA and EAP, the Focus Group recommended a new legislation better regulating EAP, that early access concerns specific classes of medicines selected on the grounds of the need to guarantee a rapid access and to collect real world data, that early access can be accompanied by outcome-based and population-based MEA, and that MEA are embedded into the subsequent price and reimbursement negotiation.

Oral Formulation of Anticancer Agents for Colon Cancer

Aims/Objective: To develop and estimate enteric-coated capsules containing mucoadhesive Microspheres of Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin to treat Colon cancer.
 Study Design: Box Behnken.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics, Parul Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Parul University, Vadodara, between 2017 to 2021.
 Methodology: Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin are used as antineoplastic agents and can be delivered via the oral route of administration. For the estimation of drugs Analytical method has been developed by HPLC. Box Behnken design has been used to optimize Drug: polymer ratio (1:2), Inlet temperature 170ºC, and crosslinking agent with a 0.5 ml 1% Gluteraldehyde solution.
 The microspheres were successfully prepared by using the spray drying technique and evaluated.
 Results: The results of optimized Capecitabine microspheres were obtained as Particle size 87.91 µm ± 0.274,% yield 57.21± 1.5,% Mucoadhesion 57.21± 1.5,% entrapment efficiency 82.16± 0.725. The results of optimized Oxaliplatin microspheres were obtained as Particle size 99.88µm±0.034,% yield 56.0± 0.088,% Mucoadhesion 87.0± 0.80,% entrapment efficiency 82.61±0.085. The drug content of Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin in the filled capsule was 94.67% ±0.32 and 93.45%±0.712, respectively. % Drug release of Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin in Phosphate buffer pH 7.4 was found to be 94.83±0.22 and 96.94±0.11 respectively after 8 hrs. Stability study at 400C±20C / 75 ± 5 % RH revealed that there was no significant change in disintegration time, drug content and % CDR during 6 months. So, prepared formulation was stable during stability study. MTT assay has been performed on the formulation of Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin microspheres for assessing the % viability of both the drugs on the Caco-2 cell line.
 Conclusion: The present study confirmed that prepared mucoadhesive microspheres filled with enteric-coated capsules have an antitumor effect on colon cancer cells. The formulation induced high cell death within 48 hours, and less cell viability was obtained compared to API. Six months accelerated Stability study indicates that formulation is fairly stable at storage conditions.

Comparative Phytochemical Profiling of Garlics (Allium sativum L.) and Onion (Alium cepa L.)

Aims: This research aims to perform the extraction of garlic samples and onion as well as to carry out qualitative phytochemical screening by using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and phytochemical analyses for the detection of carbohydrates, flavonoids, and alkaloids. 
 Study Design: Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and some preliminary qualitative phytochemical tests to detect the presence of carbohydrates and reducing sugars, flavonoids, and alkaloids were carried out to compare and identify the chemical compositions in black and white garlic as well as onion.
 Place and Duration of Study: Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy Universiti Teknologi MARA Puncak Alam. The whole study was conducted and completed in 12 months.
 Methodology: Black garlic (BG) is derived from raw white garlic (WG) that is modified by treating it with highly controlled temperature and humidity. In addition to the black and white garlic powder samples, this comparative study was also performed on smoked garlic and onion. The extraction of black garlic (BG), white garlic (WG), crushed smoked garlic (CSG), and onion was performed by using ethanol and ethyl acetate. The comparative phytochemical profiling was conducted by using TLC and qualitative phytochemical analyses were done using standard methods.
 Results: The presence of amino acid in the ethanolic extracts of black garlic (BG), crushed smoked garlic (CSG), and onion were detected. Ethyl acetate extracts might contain triterpene. Phytochemical screening tests showed the presence of reducing sugars and alkaloids in ethanolic extracts of black garlic (BG), while white garlic (WG) contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and a trace amount of carbohydrates. Both extracts of onion showed the presence of carbohydrate, reducing sugars and flavonoids. Meanwhile alkaloids are only detected in ethanolic extract of onion.
 Conclusion: The extracts of garlics and onion samples in this study had shown appreciable presence of some important phytochemical compounds in Allium species such as amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids and carbohydrates.

Formulasi dan Evaluasi Parfum Tipe Eau de Toilette (EDT) “Senarai Jingga”

Lack of research on formulation and evaluation of fragrance products (perfumes) in Indonesia and the need to improve the publication and branding of Tanjungkarang Health Polytechnic (Polkestanka) can be done through the development of perfume products according to climate characteristics in Indonesia. This research with quantitative experimental design aims to produce formulas and fragrance products (perfumes) type Eau de Toilette (EDT) that has the equivalent or better quality of branded perfumes on the markets. The Intervention has done by formulating perfume "Orange List" type EDT with 5 (five) series of fragrance ingredients 6-10% by Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 16-4949-1998 then compare it with positive control. The research was conducted from April 2020 until September 2020 at the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Department of Polkestanka Pharmacy. The results organoleptically showed the entire formula produces 100% clarity, homogeneous 100%, particle-free 100%, and citrus smell. The density of all formulas meets the requirements, with the density largest in F5 of 0,86. The fragrance resistance test of the entire formula still smelled at the 4th hour and with the spot largest test result in F2 with a diameter of 75,59 mm. The most preferred "Senarai Jingga" formula is F5 (60%). Kendall's W Test analysis obtained a significance of 0,016 that showed respondents preferred "Senarai Jingga" Perfume over positive control by the alignment of respondents judging the two perfumes to be significantly different. The later research suggests is that a favorite level test between “Senarai Jingga" Perfume and different positive controls (other brand perfumes) with citrus characteristics is required.

Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Microspheres, Process Parameters for Enhanced Permeability and Liver Targeting

Aims: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a serious global health problem and one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis. Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate (TAF) is a prodrug of Tenofovir, a nucleotide analogue with limited oral bioavailability. TAF is considered to be a BCS Class III substance (high solubility, low permeability). The aim of the study was to develop the Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate (TAF) microspheres to improve permeability.
 Study design: Preparation and Evaluation of Microspheres.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of pharmaceutics, Mallareddy Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Affiliated to JNTUH, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, between January 2018 and June 2019.
 Methodology: TAF loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared by emulsion cross linking method using glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent. The prepared microspheres were characterized by morphology, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency. The permeability study was evaluated by Ex-vivo permeation studies. The optimized formulation was subjected to FTIR studies to examine the Drug Excipient Compatibility.
 Results: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies indicated that the microspheres are spherical in shape. The optimized formulation has average particle size of 11.00 ± 0.05 µm, the encapsulation efficiency 68
 ± 0.04% and the percentage (%) yield of 94%. FTIR studies indicated that the drug and polymer are compatable with each other. In Ex-vivo permeation studies of optimized formulation 80% of drug was permeated with in 60 min.
 Conclusion: TAF microspheres could improve the absorption by increasing the permeability.

Development and validation of spectrophotometric method for quantitative determination of carvedilol in tablets

INTRODUCTION: Carvedilol is in a class of medications called beta blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate to improve blood flow and decrease blood pressure. AIM: The aim of this article is to develop a spectrophotometric method for the quantitative determination of carvedilol with diazonium salts, establish optimal conditions for the quantitative determination of carvedilol in drugs, and validate the developed methodology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All studies were conducted on the basis of the experimental pharmaceutical research department of the scientific medical laboratory center (NMLC) of the Zaporozhye State Medical University. Reagents and solvents: 6.25 mg carvedilol tablets (PRANAPHARMJSC, Samara, series 20717), 12.5 mg Carvedilol Canon tablets (Canonpharma Production CJSC, Russia, series 060517), 25 mg Talliton tablets (EGIS Pharmaceuticals PLC, Hungary, series 473D0617), 25 mg Carvedilol-KV tablets (OJSC Kyiv Vitamin Plant, Kyiv, Ukraine, series EF 411017), diazol red 2G (NVF Sinbias), acetone, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, water. Analytical equipment: SPECORD-200spectrophotometer (Analytic Jena AG, Germany), ULAB S131UV spectrophotometer, RADWAG XA 210.4Y electronic laboratory scales, Sonorex Digitec DT100H ultrasonic bath. RESULTS: The technique of spectrophotometric determination of the quantitative content of carvedilol based on its reaction with red diazole in water-methanol medium has been developed. The 1:1 stoichiometric ratios of the reactive components were obtained by the methods of continuous changes and the saturation method. CONCLUSION: A spectrophotometric method of analysis for the quantitative determination of carvedilol in tablets has been developed. The method is simple, fast, accurate, and reliable. This has been proven by verification characteristics (linearity, precision, correctness and sustainability). The developed methodology is correct and can be used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Corrigendum to: Oleic Acid Vesicles as a New Approach for Transdermal Delivery of Econazole Nitrate: Development, Characterization, and In-vivo Evaluation in Wistar Rats.

The authors wish to add words "Research Scholar" and "Research Supervisor" to their affiliations [1]. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.2174/1574891X15999201110212725 The corrected affiliation is: 1Department of Pharmaceutics, Rayat-Bahra College of Pharmacy, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001, India; 2Faculty of Pharma-ceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutics, PCTE Group of Institutes, Ludhiana, Punjab 142021, India; 3Research Scholar, I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar-Punjab 144601, India; 4Research Supervisor, I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar-Punjab 144601, India.

Next Generation Immunotherapies – Emerging Strategies for Immune Modulation against Cancer, Infections, and Beyond

Next Generation Immunotherapies – Emerging Strategies for Immune Modulation against Cancer, Infections, and Beyond

Formulation and Evaluation of Conventional Metronidazole Tablets using Natural Gum Extracted from Grewia species

Aims: The pharmaceutical world has been paying increasing attention to the extraction, development and use of natural gums as binders in the formulation of solid dosage forms. The use of natural gums as binders is more advantageous than the use of synthetic ones due to availability, low cost, biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this study, gum extracted from Grewia species was compared with that fromAcacia in metronidazole tablets.
 Study Design: Ten batches of metronidazole tablets were formulated with varied concentration of Grewiaspp gum and Acacia gum.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; between January and December 2019.
 Methodology: Five batches of metronidazole tablets containing 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5% w/w of Grewia gum were preparedby wet granulation. Resulting granules were characterised by measuring flow and packing properties. In other experiments, five batches of tablets were formulated using same concentration of gum, with Acacia gum substituted for Grewia gum. Both sets of granules were compressed into tablets using tableting machine at a load of 27 arbitrary units. Tablets so formed were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time, drug content and drug release profiles. Drug – excipient interaction was investigated with FTIR.
 Results: The resulting metronidazole tablets showed hardness of 5.46 kgF to 7.87 kgF (Grewiagum) and 6.06 kgF-8.20 kgF (Acacia gum). Friability percentages of all the batches were above 1% except for A3-A5 and B5 which are less than 1%. All formulations released more than 75 % of the drug content within 60 min. The FTIR analysis revealed no interaction between the metronidazole and Grewia species gum.
 Conclusion: Metronidazole granules and tablets were successfully prepared using Grewiagum and showed comparable pre-compression and post-compression properties with those formulated with Acacia.

Pharmaceutico-Analytical study of Shadbindu taila

Introduction: Shadbindu taila is an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation used in a variety of clinical conditions especially in diseases of upper part of body. This taila is described as exceptionally beneficial for improving the strength of hands. Before a human trial it is essential to evaluate the quality and authenticity of the trial drug, Standardization is needed for assuring quality of any drug and it should be started with the identification and authentication of the drug Materials and method: Pharmacognostical evaluation carried out at Pharmacognosy department, ITRA, Jamnagar, pharmaceutical and HPTLC study were done at Pharmaceutical chemistry department, ITRA, Jamnagar. Microbiological evaluation was carried out at department of Microbiology I.T.R.A, Jamnagar. Results: Organoleptic examination: Colour: Greenish Brown, Odour: Aromatic, Taste: Salty, Touch: Viscous, oily. Pharmaceutical evaluation: specific gravity 0.9177, density 0.8753 Refractive Index 1 .4860, Acid Value 4.042, Saponification Value 132.43, Iodine Value 169.33 HPTLC at 254nm (short wave) showed mainly 6 major spot and at 366 nm (long wave) showed 2 major spots. No organisms isolated in aerobic and fungal culture, in microbiology evaluation. Conclusion: The trial drug is authentic and devoid of any adulteration. All quality control parameters were found to be within the permissible pharmacopeial limits and the stability and shelf life of the trial drug also will be more as per the pharmaceutical parameters.

Preferences for Accessing Medical Information in the Digital Age: Health Care Professional Survey.

BackgroundHealth care professionals (HCPs) routinely have questions concerning the medications they are recommending. There are numerous resources available; however, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.ObjectiveThe purpose of this survey was to gain knowledge of the preferred methods and sources HCPs use to obtain information concerning medications.MethodsA total of 511 HCPs (202 physicians, 105 pharmacists, 100 advance practice nurses, 53 registered nurses, and 51 physician assistants) were surveyed through a third-party market research firm. All participants were practicing in the United States. Individuals working for a pharmaceutical company were excluded. The survey collected demographics, frequency of searching medical information, types of questions searched, sources of medical information, and rationale for preferred and nonpreferred sources of medical information. Use of medical information resources were rated on a 5-point ordinal scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics.ResultsOf the 511 respondents, 88.5% (452/511) searched for medical information either daily or several times per week. The most common questions involved dosing and administration, drug-drug interactions, adverse events and safety, clinical practice guidelines, and disease state information. The main rationale for using specific medical websites or apps and general online search engines frequently or very frequently was ease of use (medical websites or apps: 269/356, 75.6%; general online search engines: 248/284, 87.3%). Accuracy was the main rationale for frequent or very frequent use of medical literature search databases (163/245, 66.5%), prescribing labels or information (122/213, 57.3%), and professional literature (120/195, 61.5%). The main reason for rarely or never using specific medical websites or apps and medical literature search databases was unfamiliarity (medical websites or apps: 16/48, 33%; medical literature search databases: 35/78, 45%); for general online search engines, inaccuracy (34/54, 63%); and for prescribing labels or information and professional literature, excessive time (prescribing labels or information : 54/102, 52.9%; professional literature: 66/106, 62.3%). The pharmaceutical company was sometimes used as a resource for medical information. When the medical information department was used, the call center and the website were considered thorough and complete (call center: 14/25, 56%; website: 33/55, 60%). However, the rationale for not using the call center was the time required (199/346, 57.5%) and the website being unfamiliar (129/267, 48.3%).ConclusionsThe driving forces in the selection of resources are accuracy and ease of use. There is an opportunity to increase awareness of all the appropriate resources for HCPs which may aid in their daily clinical decisions. Specifically, pharmaceutical company medical information departments can help fulfill this need by addressing two major challenges with use of the pharmaceutical company: lack of awareness of medical information services and the speed at which responses are disseminated. Overall, there is lack of understanding or appreciation of the range of pathways to obtain published information and knowledge from pharmaceutical company medical information services. Among the many challenges resource champions will face are the ability to effectively make resources and their platforms accessible, known, and useful to the scientific community.

Indian Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Industry- An overview on Challenges, Opportunities & Regulatory prerequisites

Active pharmaceutical ingredient is a chemical compound which is most important raw material to formulate a finished pharmaceutical medicine and has a pharmacological effect. India has a long history of being heavily dependent for these raw materials on China due to one major reason i.e. Low manufacturing cost. But overdependence of APIs imports from China brought various liabilities to India including supply chain disruption and price hikes during pandemic, leading to shortage of various important APIs/KSMs. This COVID 19 widespread has solidly put the center of our country on being “Atma Nirbhar”. And this activity had brought out the strengths, market patterns and opportunities in five divisions counting Healthcare, which are basic from country’s point of view. In view of changing geo-political situation and recalibrated trade arrangement, it is crucial that India become self-reliant within the generation of APIs and KSMs, which is why decreasing the Import reliance for Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) & Key starting materials (KSMs) particularly from china has been focused upon with the assistance of productive linked incentive scheme (PLIS) passed by Department of pharmaceuticals, Government of India to thrive Indian API industry.
 Hence, this review highlights the current state of Indian API industry, evaluates challenges, opportunities give suggestions for moving forward for self-sufficiency of APIs as well as centers on current regulatory prerequisites for Active pharmaceutical Ingredients.

Internet Addiction Status and Related Factors among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Western Iran.

In recent years, Internet and social media technology use have emerged as an integral tool of human society, and the evolution of technological integration, cyberspace, and web-technology has become a common practice in educational institutions. Internet usage among students has played an indispensable role in learning behavior; however, the excessive usage of the internet and social media leads to internet addiction. This original study has performed a focalized scrutiny on revealing relationships between internet addiction and associated factors among the students of medicine, dentistry, and pharmaceutical departments. This descriptive and analytical study recruited medical students from the Self-governing Education Incubator of Kermanshah. This survey distributed questionnaires among the respondents' three departments, and this statistical data reported on 420 valid responses of the respondents. They represent first and second-semester medical students of the academic year 2017-2018. The study selected medical students by applying Cochran's Sample Size Formula through Stratified Random Sampling and cross-sectional research design. The survey has utilized a demographic questionnaire of Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT) for the data collection. The study analyzed received data by using SPSS version 23 and performed the descriptive statistics, and analytical statistics (t-test and ANOVA). The results of the present study established that the majority of subjects were female students (53.3%), and the average age was 23.84 ± 2.14, including the students of all departments. Besides, findings specified that the overall mean and standard deviation scores were 3.34 and ±0.88. Internet addiction revealed mean and the standard deviation score measured for all students 3.29 ± 0.73, 3.17 ± 0.92, and 3.57 ± 0.64 correspondingly. The survey results illustrated that medical students' internet addiction substantially correlated with demographic variables, such as age, marital status, the field of study, academic term, significant time of consuming the internet, the key reason of utilizing the internet, and daily usage of the internet (p < .05). The results of the study specified that 25% of medical students showed internet addiction. The students are increasingly using the internet, and it has penetrated among students. The design and implementation of adequate educational programs and the application of internet-based efficiency interventions are essential for both knowledge acquisition and medical students' healthy behavior.

Indian Pharmaceutical Industries Current Status and Togetherness to Overcome Speed Breakers in Term of Quality Issues to make India as a Global Pharma Destination

Regulatory is the heart of the pharmaceutical industries which acts as an interface between the industries and government authorities for the growth and development of the pharmaceutical industry of any country. In 2017, India was a pharmaceutical country valued at USD(United States Dollar)13 billion and accounting for 20 percent of worldwide exports, making the country the main supplier of generic drugs worldwide. Ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, and the Department of Pharmaceutical Products said that the national pharmaceutical market&amp;#039;s gross revenue reached approximately US $ 18.12 billion in 2018 (Rs 129,015), growing 9.4% year-on-year and export retention in 2018 was US $ 17.88 billion and 19.14 billion US$ in 2019.The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has increased by 13.1 percent to Rs 61,398 crore (US $ 8.98 billion) in the Union Budget 2019-20.The Indian pharmaceutical market is facing many difficulties such as central and state regulatory compliance, data integrity, ethics committee in clinical trials, governmental control over the price of medicine, lack of research and so on. We are discussing in our article top 10 pharmaceutical companies in business, their turnover in 2020 and challenge in today&amp;#039;s era. We discuss future plans and solutions to problems, so that they can be ranked first in the world.

Pharma Insurance: A Mechanism for Risk Mitigation

Insurance plays a vital role in risk mitigation of pharma supply chain. It’s a mechanism where losses sustained by few are stretched among many those are exposed to kind of similar risk. Unfortunately, insurance is not availed by the intermediaries in pharma supply chain which eventually leads to heavy losses in the regular supplies of the drugs. The pharmaceutical industry in India has secured the third position globally in terms of its volume and adds approximately 10% to the global pharmaceutical production. According to the reports published by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Indian Pharma Industry is pegged at INR 810 Bn which is inclusive of domestic sales and exports. India is an international hub for high-quality medicines at an affordable price with a rich vendor base. As logistics and supply chain plays an important role and contributes immensely to the overall growth of pharma sector, risk mitigation becomes inevitable. Poor supply chain in pharma leads to various fatalities due to mishandling of the product, pilferage, poor packing, damage during transit, accidents and other nature hazards leading towards expiry of drugs. Low level of supply chain integrity, absence of contingency planning, inadequacy in resources and infrastructure, lack of support in terms of regulation, adoption of sub-optimal standards in technology are included in it. Currently, there are myriad inefficiencies spotted in both assets i.e., physical requirement like storage and transport as well as enablers i.e., efficiency improving system, technology and process all along the pharmaceutical supply chain. Inspite of all this, the pharma companies opine that there is no adequate insurance taken by the wholesalers and the distributors in the front end distribution of critical drugs. Thus, the study is intended to analyze the product liability exposure arising during pharma supply chain and the quantum of insurance required to mitigate the same.

Development and Validation of Ultra Visible Spectrophotometric Method for the Estimation of Thymoquinone

Aim: The work mainly focuses on developing a robust UV-Visible spectroscopic method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of thymoquinone and this will open to many possibilities in exploiting the wonders of this bioactive molecule.&#x0D; Study Design: UV-vis Spectrophotometric method development for thymoquinone.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmaceutics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Campus, Nagpur, India.&#x0D; Methodology: To find out λmax and validate the developed method using Double beam UV – visible spectrophotometer module (JASCO V-630).&#x0D; Results: The thymoquinone was found to be soluble in methanol. The absorption maximum (λmax) was found to be 252 nm. The good linearity was found to be within concentration range of 2-10 μg/ml with correlation coefficient (r2) &gt;0.99 and regression equation of the curve was found to be y = 0.0173x − 0.0394 at 252 nm. The precision (intra-day and inter-day) data represents good reproducibility with % RSD lower than 2.0% which assured that method is précised. Mean recovery value at different concentrations was found to be higher than 90%, indicates accuracy of the method. LOD and LOQ for thymoquinone were reported and were found to be 0.016 μg/ml and 0.0531μg/ ml 252 nm.&#x0D; Conclusion: The developed method was found to be simple, specific, economic, reliable, accurate, precise, and reproducible used as a quality control tool for analysis of pure thymoquinone and thymoquinone in formulations.