Pharmaceutical Industry Research Articles

Phenolic Bisabolane Sesquiterpene Derivatives from an Arctic Marine-derived Fungus Aspergillus sydowii MNP-2

Background:: Filamentous fungi in the genus Aspergillus are well known for their important roles in production of bioactive secondary metabolites with diversely chemical structures and potential application in pharmaceutical industry. Objective:: The present study aimed to investigate the phenolic bisabolane sesquiterpene (PBS) derivatives from an Arctic marine-derived fungus Aspergillus sydowii MNP-2. Methods:: In this study, antimicrobial activities were carried out according to the broth microdilution assay, nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) and BV2 microglial cells was used to detect the inhibitory effect of compounds in inflammatory reactions, and in vitro inhibitory cell proliferation activity was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Results:: In this work, chemical investigation of an Arctic marine-derived strain A. sydowii MNP-2 led to the isolation of 11 PBSs (1-11) using various chromatographic methods. Their chemical structures were unambiguously determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analyses as well as comparison with literature data. It is noteworthy that compounds 1, 7 and 11 were firstly obtained from A. sydowii. Antimicrobial assay showed that these chemicals had no potent inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans with MIC values > 16 μg/mL. Additionally, the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- induced inflammation in mouse macrophages (RAW264.7) and BV2 microglial cells were all below 10% for compounds 4-6 and 8, indicating almost negligible anti-inflammatory efficacy. Among the tested compounds 4-6 and 8 for tumor-cell proliferation inhibition activities, compound 5 demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect against human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-6) with a 44.76% inhibition rate. Conclusion:: In the present study, 11 PBS derivatives were purified and characterized from the solidand liquid-state fermentations of the Arctic marine-derived fungus A. sydowii MNP-2. Unfortunately, none of these metabolites had significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or tumor-cell proliferation inhibition activities.

Biotransformation of ginsenoside compound K using β-glucosidase in deep eutectic solvents.

Ginsenoside compound K (CK) holds significant potential for application in the pharmaceutical industry, which exhibits numerous pharmacological activity such as cardioprotective and antidiabetic. However, the difficult separation technique and limited yield of CK hinder its widespread use. The study investigated the process of converting ginsenoside CK using β-glucosidase. It aimed to determine the specific site where the enzyme binds and the most favorable arrangement of the enzyme. Molecular docking was also employed to determine the interaction between β-glucosidase and ginsenosides, indicating a strong and spontaneous contact force between them. The effectiveness of the conversion process was further improved using a "green" deep eutectic solvent (DES). A univariate experimental design was used to determine the composition of DES and the optimal hydrolysis conditions for β-glucosidase to convert ginsenoside Rb1 into ginsenoside CK. The employment of β-glucosidase enzymatic hydrolysis in the synthesis of rare ginsenoside CK applying the environmentally friendly solvent DES is not only viable and effective but also appropriate for industrial use. The characterization methods confirmed that DES did not disrupt the structure and conformation of β-glucosidase. In ChCl:EG = 2:1 (30%, v/v), pH 5.0 of DES buffer, reaction temperature 50 ℃, enzyme substrate mass ratio 1:1, after 36h of reaction, the CK yield was 1.24 times that in acetate buffer, which can reach 86.2%. In this study, the process of using β-glucosidase enzymatic hydrolysis and producing rare ginsenoside CK in green solvent DES is feasible, efficient and suitable for industrial production and application.

LC-MS-based metabolomics for the profiling of bioactive compounds in tree peony flower buds with multiple bioactive potentials

Tree peonies (Paeonia suffruticosa) are important pharmaceutical and oilseed crops widely cultivated in China. Tree peony flowers, as important by-products of the industrial crops, are conventionally used as folk medicine with health-promoting effects on human. However, the in-depth understanding of biologically active compounds in tree peony flowers is scarce. In this study, an in-depth analysis of bioactive compounds in tree peony flower buds (TPFBs) from 74 cultivars was conducted using an integrated LC-MS-based metabolomic approach. Ninety-two metabolites were tentatively identified in TPFBs. The quantitative results revealed that TPFBs were abundant in bioactive compounds. Among these, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, cynaroside, and pentagalloylglucose (PGG) emerged as the primary chemical markers of TPFBs, showing significant variations based on genotype. Each extract of TPFB exhibited potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-neuroinflammatory activities. Notably, TPFB extract showed the highest effectiveness in inhibiting L. monocytogenes among all tested bacteria. Cynaroside was predicted to serve as a pivotal component in TPFB for its anti-neuroinflammatory effects by interacting with toll-like receptor 4 (TRL4) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). This study offers novel insights into the bioactive compounds and bioactivities of TPFBs, which lays theoretical basis for the application in pharmaceutical industry.

Estimation of Rheological Coefficients of Acacia nilotica Gum: A Versatile Biopolymer for Biomedical and Food Industries

Introduction: Polysaccharides are widely used in the biomedical and food industries as thickening, gelling, emulsifying, hydrating, and suspending agents. Polysaccharides have adequate viscoelastic properties and flow characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine various rheological parameters of Acacia nilotica (Babool) gum. Methods: Understanding the influence of temperature on rheological properties is quite important for polymeric materials to be considered as pharmaceutical excipients. Thus, a polymeric solution of purified Babool gum was prepared, and the influence of temperature on its rheological behaviour (viscosity and surface tension) was investigated to develop a better understanding of the structural organization of the gum. Furthermore, viscosity, surface tension, temperature coefficient, activation energy, Gibbs free energy, Reynolds number, and entropy of fusion were calculated using the Arrhenius, Gibbs–Helmholtz, Frenkel–Eyring, and Eotvos equations, respectively. Results: The activation energy of the gum was 3.81 ± 0.18 kJ/mol. Changes in entropy and enthalpy were 0.56 ± 0.23 and 4.27 ± 0.81 kJ/mol, respectively. The calculated amount of entropy of fusion was found to be 0.014 ± 0.01 kJ mol−1 K−1. Conclusion: The study outcomes showed that the viscosity and surface tension increased as the temperature decreased. The good rheological properties of Babool gum make it a suitable excipient for its applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Emerging Phytochemicals to Treat Leishmaniasis: A Review of Experimental Studies from 2011 to 2021

: Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease caused by a parasite from the genus Leishmania. It is known as a neglected tropical disease by WHO and is the second-leading cause of death by parasites after malaria. Chemotherapy is the only effective way to control the disease, but treatment options for leishmaniasis are limited. The majority of the drugs are costly, have serious side effects and necessitate hospitalisation. The lack of an effective vaccine, in addition to the emergence of resistance to currently available drugs, has all been raised as major concerns, especially in endemic areas of developing countries. Phytochemicals might contribute to the development of novel and effective drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis by providing selectively targeted intervention in parasites. Many phytochemicals (quinones, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins, phenolics) and their derivatives are quite active against diverse groups of pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. To date, many phytochemicals have shown potent anti-leishmanial activity with highly selective mode of action. However, due to a lack of interaction between academician and pharma industries none of them has undergone the clinical assessment. The present review will analyse the most promising phytochemicals and their synthetic compounds, which have shown antileishmal activity in in-vitro and subsequently in animal studies from 2011-2021. These phytochemicals are apigenin, hydroxyflavanone, Epigallocatechin-O-3 gallate, caffeic acid, α-bisabolol, β-caryophyllene, ursolic acid, quinones, which have shown notable anti-leishmanial activities in several independent studies.

Mining unique cysteine synthetases and computational study on thoroughly eliminating feedback inhibition through tunnel engineering.

L-cysteine is an essential component in pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, and synthetic biology has made strides in developing new metabolic pathways for its production, particularly in archaea with unique O-phosphoserine sulfhydrylases (OPSS) as key enzymes. In this study, we employed database mining to identify a highly catalytic activity OPSS from Acetobacterium sp. (AsOPSS). However, it was observed that the enzymatic activity of AsOPSS suffered significant feedback inhibition from the product L-cysteine, exhibiting an IC50 value of merely 1.2 mM. A semi-rational design combined with tunnel analysis strategy was conducted to engineer AsOPSS. The best variant, AsOPSSA218R was achieved, totally eliminating product inhibition without sacrificing catalytic efficiency. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations indicated that the binding conformation of AsOPSSA218R with L-cys was altered, leading to a reduced affinity between L-cysteine and the active pocket. Tunnel analysis revealed that the AsOPSSA218R variant reshaped the landscape of the tunnel, resulting in the construction of a new tunnel. Furthermore, random acceleration molecular dynamics simulation and umbrella sampling simulation demonstrated that the novel tunnel improved the suitability for product release and effectively separated the interference between the product release and substrate binding processes. Finally, more than 45 mM of L-cysteine was produced in vitro within 2 h using the AsOPSSA218R variant. Our findings emphasize the potential for relieving feedback inhibition by artificially generating new product release channels, while also laying an enzymatic foundation for efficient L-cysteine production.

Artificial intelligence as a tool in drug discovery and development

The rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered substantial attention for its potential application in drug discovery and development. This opinion review critically examined the feasibility and prospects of integrating AI as a transformative tool in the pharmaceutical industry. AI, encompassing machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and data analytics, offers unprecedented opportunities to streamline and enhance various stages of drug development. This opinion review delved into the current landscape of AI-driven approaches, discussing their utilization in target identification, lead optimization, and predictive modeling of pharmacokinetics and toxicity. We aimed to scrutinize the integration of large-scale omics data, electronic health records, and chemical informatics, highlighting the power of AI in uncovering novel therapeutic targets and accelerating drug repurposing strategies. Despite the considerable potential of AI, the review also addressed inherent challenges, including data privacy concerns, interpretability of AI models, and the need for robust validation in real-world clinical settings. Additionally, we explored ethical considerations surrounding AI-driven decision-making in drug development. This opinion review provided a nuanced perspective on the transformative role of AI in drug discovery by discussing the existing literature and emerging trends, presenting critical insights and addressing potential hurdles. In conclusion, this study aimed to stimulate discourse within the scientific community and guide future endeavors to harness the full potential of AI in drug development.

Steering through Regulatory Currents: The Journey of India’s Pharma Industry with the USFDA

Introduction and Objective: India's pharmaceutical industry faces challenges in meeting USFDA quality standards, impacting exports and reputation. This review examines the causes of non-compliance and proposes strategies to enhance compliance, predicting fu-ture trends. Methods: This study conducts an analysis of USFDA warning letters to Indian manufacturers, an assessment of non-compliance issues, and an exploration of technological advancements in compliance, such as automation and AI. Results: The study reveals a rise in non-compliance incidents, emphasizing the need for a ro-bust quality culture, updated regulatory knowledge, and implementation of advanced technol-ogies to improve compliance. Conclusion: To maintain global competitiveness, India's pharma industry must adopt compre-hensive strategies, leverage technology, and prepare proactively for regulatory changes. Future compliance will rely on remote auditing and real-time monitoring.

Nanoemulgel: A Comprehensive Review of Formulation Strategies, Characterization, Patents and Applications

<p>Background: Delivering hydrophobic or poorly soluble drugs has become increasingly challenging, with issues like stability and bioavailability complicating the process. Among various strategies devised to address these problems, nanoemulgels have proven effective. Nanoemulgels combine a gel base and an emulsion at the nanoscale, making them excellent for drug delivery. The nanoemulsion component protects the active ingredient from degradative reactions like hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation. Meanwhile, the gel base enhances the emulsion's thermodynamic stability by increasing the viscosity of the aqueous phase and reducing surface and interfacial tension. </p><p> Objective: The primary objective of this review was to explore nanoemulgels as a drug delivery system in the pharmaceutical industry. It delves into the advantages and applications of nanoemulgels in various medical fields, compares them with conventional emulgel, and examines formulation strategies, preparation methods, patent trends, future prospects, and evaluation methods in detail. </p><p> Method: An exhaustive literature survey was conducted keeping in view the various aspects of nanoemulgel. Information from various resources, such as books, review articles, scientific reports, research articles, and patents, were searched, read, analyzed, and summarized. </p><p> Conclusion: This review article thoroughly examines nanoemulgels, discussing their formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and applications in various fields. It highlights their benefits, such as enhanced drug solubility, controlled release, improved stability, and targeted delivery. The article also covers patents related to nanoemulgel technology and explores its future prospects, emphasizing potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dermatology, and other industries.</p>

Enhanced functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles for advanced drug enrichment and separation applications

Backgroundsuperparamagnetic ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles can be extensively functionalized for applications in drug enrichment and separation. Their high magnetic responsiveness and controllable surface modification enable rapid drug enrichment and separation under external magnetic fields. This study aimed to enhance the application potential of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the field of drug enrichment and separation by functionalizing these nanoparticles to improve their biocompatibility and targeting capabilities.Methodssuperparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with dopamine were synthesized using benzyl alcohol as the solvent and iron acetylacetonate as the precursor. The dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were used to analyze protein enrichment and separation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was conducted, including analysis of particle size distribution, Zeta potential, and fluorescence spectra using a fluorescence spectrophotometer.Resultsthe Fe3O4 nanoparticles maintained high magnetism from the original material and exhibited uniform particle size distribution and stable Zeta potential. The saturation magnetization of dopamine-functionalized superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed no significant difference compared to before coating, indicating minimal influence of dopamine on the internal magnetic core of the nanoparticles. The Fe3O4 nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and stability.Conclusionfunctionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles significantly enhances their efficiency in drug enrichment and separation processes, suggesting broad applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Genus Ribes: Ribes aureum, Ribes pauciflorum, Ribes triste, and Ribes dikuscha—Comparative Mass Spectrometric Study of Polyphenolic Composition and Other Bioactive Constituents

This study presents the metabolomic profiles of the four Ribes species (Ribes pauciflorum Turcz., Ribes triste Pall., Ribes dicuscha Fisch., and Ribes aureum Purch.). The plant material was collected during two expeditions in the Russian Far East. Tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect target analytes. A total of 205 bioactive compounds (155 compounds from polyphenol group and 50 compounds from other chemical groups) were tentatively identified from the berries and extracts of the four Ribes species. For the first time, 29 chemical constituents from the polyphenol group were tentatively identified in the genus Ribes. The newly identified polyphenols include flavones, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, lignans, coumarins, stilbenes, and others. The other newly detected compounds in Ribes species are the naphthoquinone group (1,8-dihydroxy-anthraquinone, 1,3,6,8-tetrahydroxy-9(10H)-anthracenone, 8,8′-dihydroxy-2,2′-binaphthalene-1,1′,4,4′-tetrone, etc.), polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, omega-3 fatty acids (stearidonic acid, linolenic acid), and others. Our results imply that Ribes species are rich in polyphenols, especially flavanols, anthocyanins, flavones, and flavan-3-ols. These results indicate the utility of Ribes species for the health and pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Syrup for Asthma and Allergies: A Two-Decade Clinical Study

Asthma and allergies are prevalent respiratory conditions affecting millions worldwide, often necessitating long-term management and treatment. Synthetic medications, while effective, may pose risks and adverse effects, prompting exploration into natural alternatives. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of a botanical syrup supplement derived from Cymbopogon Schoenanthus subsp. proximus, known as “Binj” or “Abba” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the management of asthma and allergies. Through collaborative efforts with reputable laboratories and universities, the botanical syrup’s therapeutic potential was rigorously evaluated, encompassing phytochemical analysis, biological testing, and extensive clinical trials spanning two decades. Results demonstrate notable improvements in lung function and skin health among patients with asthma and allergies, evidenced by enhanced vital capacity, forced vital capacity, and visible reduction in skin allergy symptoms. Furthermore, safety assessments indicate a favorable profile, with minimal adverse events reported. The recognition of the botanical syrup by the UAE Ministry of Health and international pharmaceutical companies underscores its significance and potential for widespread application. This discovery represents a promising advancement in natural medicine, offering a safe and effective alternative for individuals seeking holistic respiratory wellness. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials and long-term safety studies to further elucidate its therapeutic benefits and optimize clinical outcomes.

Short-term safety and tolerability profile of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in human subjects: a systematic review of clinical trials

IntroductionPsychedelic agents have regained the attention of pharmaceutical companies as promising treatments for depressive episodes. 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), an atypical psychedelic, is emerging as a potentially effective, novel rapid-acting antidepressant. In this systematic review, we analyze the safety and tolerability evidence from clinical trials.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, and EBSCO) were searched from inception until 15 May 2024 to identify clinical trials (regardless of phase) reporting on short-term safety and tolerability profile of 5-MeO-DMT using the following keywords in various combinations: 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine, 5-MeO-DMT, safety, adverse, adverse reaction, side effects, tolerability, dropout, healthy volunteer, healthy participant, depression, major depressive disorder. Only studies written in English were considered.ResultsInitial search yielded 100 records, out of which 3 met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported on the results from clinical trial phases I and I/II, with a total of 78 participants included; two studies involved healthy volunteers, and one included patients with treatment-resistant depression. Although the data is limited, it confirms a good short-term safety and tolerability profile for 5-MeO-DMT, with no serious adverse events (SAEs) reported. Furthermore, no drop-outs were reported.Conclusion5-MeO-DMT administration in human subjects presents favorable short-term safety and tolerability profile. Importantly, no SAEs have been documented, and no adverse events led to participant withdrawal from the studies There is a need for future randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with larger samples and follow-up to assess potential chronic adverse events.

Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Irritative Potential of Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus) Associated with Phenethyl Ester of Caffeic Acid (CAPE)

The present study aimed to analyze the antifungal, antioxidant, and irritant potential of citronella oil, both isolated and combined with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), for topical oral candidiasis. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using two methods, the DPPH test and the reducing power test (FRAP), while the irritant potential of the solutions was assessed through the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM). The DPPH test (IC50) values for the CITRO III + CAPE III combination were 32 ± 9 mg/mL, and for isolated CAPE, 13 ± 3 mg/mL. The results from the FRAP method revealed a low iron-reducing power for the combination of 1.25 mg/mL of citronella and 0.0775 mg/mL of CAPE (CITRO III + CAPE III), showing no significant difference compared to the isolated solution of 0.15 mg/mL of CAPE. The antibacterial activity of CAPE and isolated citronella in vitro against microorganisms was evaluated using two methods: microdilution and biofilm assay. The results showed that the MIC and MFC values were 0.5 mg/mL for citronella at both tested times (24 h and 48 h). For CAPE, the MFC values were 0.031 mg/mL. For the biofilm assay, the isolated compounds and combinations at 1 min and 6 h showed significantly different results from the controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HET-CAM results demonstrated the absence of irritability. Based on these premises, the antifungal and antioxidant actions, and absence of irritability were proven. Moreover, this work presents a natural antifungal of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Unveiling investor behavior: An investigation into India’s pharmaceutical sector during COVID-19

This study examines the factors influencing retail investors’ decision to invest into the Indian pharmaceutical sector amidst the COVID-19 global health crisis. Confronting the obstacles introduced by the pandemic has helped create a robust foundation for the Indian pharma sector to grow rapidly in the future. As the industry demonstrated signs of considerable future growth, investors favored pharmaceutical investments during COVID-19. Retail investors were mainly the ones who went on a shopping spree during the pandemic. This backdrop provides a unique context to explore the retail investors’ behavior in the Indian pharmaceutical landscape. Leveraging the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study marks the first attempt to introduce behavior toward market fundamentals as a mediating factor into the TPB framework. To conduct the study, data were collected from 305 retail investors located in Karnataka’s South Canara region, who invested into the Indian pharmaceutical industry during the pandemic, using snowball sampling. The e-survey was employed for data collection. The results reveal that attitudes toward pharmaceutical investments, subjective norms, Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC), and behavior toward market fundamentals have significantly influenced investor decisions. Notably, behavior toward market fundamentals has partially mediated the relationship between attitude toward pharma investment and investment decision and PBC and investment decision. However, the mediation effect of behavior toward market fundamentals was not evident between the subject norm and the investment decision. The study holds pivotal implications for policymakers, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to promote pharmaceutical investments.

Pectin from Agro-waste to Utility Product

The study aims to discuss innovative extraction approaches as compared to available traditional methods to optimize the yield and quality of pectin by eco-friendly techniques and emphasizes purification and analytical techniques for quality toward sustainable development of pectinbased products. Pectin is a complex polysaccharide present in plants, forming a protective barrier and providing mechanical strength to the plant cell. Therefore pectin, a by-product of the food industry, can be an efficient waste valorization product for utilization in the food and pharmaceutical industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent. Pectin complex chemistry provides a wide scope for modification of monomers that can alter the properties of pectin and thereby add to the varied applications of pectin enlisted in the review. The review synthesizes findings from meticulously conducted research investigations and authorized scholarly articles. Information retrieval used reputable academic search engines, including PubMed, Elsevier, and Bentham publications with keywords such as “pectin” “chemical modification of pectin”, “drug delivery”, “green methods” and “agro-industrial residues" for a comprehensive exploration. The comprehensive review delves into pectin chemistry and extraction methods, modification, and characterization techniques are discussed along with versatile applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Pectin abundantly present in the outer coat or peels of fruits and vegetables has been the best example of a circular economy and has led to zero waste in agricultural industries. The review has elaborated modifications in pectin for its use as an excipient in the pharmaceutical industry, therapeutic use, targeted drug delivery, and food industries.

Comparative effects of drug interventions for the acute management of migraine episodes in adults: systematic review and network meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo compare all licensed drug interventions as oral monotherapy for the acute treatment of migraine episodes in adults.DesignSystematic review and network meta-analysis.Data sourcesCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase,...

Achieving synchrony: bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and regulators on safety labeling updates

Achieving synchrony: bridging the gap between pharmaceutical companies and regulators on safety labeling updates

Evaluation of Drug and Herbal Medicinal Promotions on Social Media During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Relation to World Health Organization Ethical Criteria and South African Health Products Regulatory Authority Guidelines in South Africa: Cross-Sectional Content Analysis.

Consideration of ethics in the promotion of medications is essential to safeguard the health of consumers, particularly during health crises. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) have established stringent standards to ensure the integrity of pharmaceutical promotions and safeguard public health, including advertisements on the internet and social media platforms. However, the dynamic nature of online advertising poses challenges for monitoring and enforcing ethical standards. The study aimed (1) to examine the COVID-19 drug and medicinal promotions across online platforms and social media from 2020 to 2022 in South Africa and (2) to ensure that drug promotions adhere to ethical guidelines outlined by the WHO and SAPHRA. A cross-sectional content analysis was conducted to assess drug and medicinal advertisements across various internet and social media platforms. A systematic approach was used to identify and analyze promotional content, focusing on adherence to ethical guidelines outlined by WHO and SAPHRA. Data were collected and analyzed to determine the extent of compliance and identify any potential violations or areas for improvement. A total of 14 online drug advertisements were included in this analysis. Our findings show that most of the drugs advertised did not meet the regulations and guidelines provided by WHO and SAHPRA. There were omissions about active ingredients, proprietary names, adverse drug responses, precautions, and overdosage and adverse drug reactions. Traditional medicines were not fully consistent with the approved WHO ethical criteria data sheet. Our analysis highlights the critical importance of ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines in drug promotions on the internet and social media platforms. There is a need for continued vigilance and enforcement efforts to uphold ethical standards and protect the health of the public. Ongoing monitoring and collaboration between national drug regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and online platforms will be essential for promoting responsible advertising. In addition, safety monitoring and pharmacovigilance systems for herbal medicinal products are yet to be established.

The application of nanodiscs in membrane protein drug discovery & development and drug delivery

The phospholipid bilayer nanodiscs (LNDs), as a rapidly-developing tool in recent years, provide a natural bio-memebrane environment to maintain the native conformation and functions of membrane proteins as well as a versatile delivery vehicle for a variety of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. We have seen unprecedented advantages of phospholipid bilayer nanodiscs in membrane protein structure characterization, biochemical and physiological studies of membrane proteins, membrane environment studies, drug discovery & development, and drug delivery. Many previous reviews have been mainly focused on the advantages of nanodiscs in membrane protein researches, but few have touched upon the importance and potential application of nanodiscs in pharmaceutical industries. This review will provide general description of the structural characteristics, advantages, classification, and applications of phospholipid nanodiscs, with particular focus on nanodisc-enabled membrane protein drug discovery & development as well as drug delivery.