Karnataka

Background: Facial cleansers remove excess oil and impurities while maintaining skin comfort. Zinc PCA was selected for its sebum-regulating properties, and kaolin clay was used as an adsorbent. Objective: To formulate and evaluate eight clay-based facial cleansers containing Zinc PCA and kaolin clay using xanthan gum or guar gum as thickening agents. Methods: The formulations (F1–F8) were prepared using a simple mixing method. Zinc PCA (0.5%), kaolin clay (5%), glycerin (10%), disodium EDTA (0.3%), cocamidopropyl betaine (6%), and sodium benzoate (0.5%) were kept constant. Xanthan gum concentrations ranged from 0.2% to 0.5% in F1–F4, while guar gum concentrations ranged from 0.4% to 0.7% in F5–F8. The formulations were evaluated for FTIR compatibility, appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, washability, phase separation, and foam height. Results: All formulations appeared milky, cloudy, and off-white, with visual homogeneity. The pH ranged from 5.16 to 5.51, viscosity from 260 to 2100 mPa·s, and foam height from 1.40 to 4.53 cm. Spreadability values ranged from 220.8 to 528.57 g·cm/s. No phase separation was observed in F1–F4, whereas F5–F8 showed separation. F2 and F7 were identified as preferred candidates based on the overall evaluation. Conclusion: Zinc PCA–kaolin clay facial cleansers were successfully formulated. However, guar-gum formulations require further optimization to improve stability. Long-term stability, safety, and efficacy studies are necessary before confirming their skin benefits. Keywords: sebum regulation; skin barrier; adsorbent; xanthan gum; guar gum

The study aimed to formulate, optimize and characterize ornidazole NLCs using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), oleic acid and Tween 80 and to incorporate the optimized dispersion into a topical gel. NLCs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design comprising 17 runs was used to investigate GMS concentration, Tween 80 concentration and homogenization time. Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug content and in vitro drug release were evaluated. FTIR and SEM were used for physicochemical and morphological characterization. The NLC dispersion was incorporated into a Carbopol 934-based gel and evaluated for pH, spreadability, viscosity and stability. The optimized formulation (F13) had a particle size of 222.8 nm, PDI 0.289, zeta potential −26.7 mV, entrapment efficiency 83.6% and drug content 91.0%. The optimized formulation showed sustained drug release, with 82.3% cumulative drug release reported at 12 h in the response-optimization section. The optimized gel showed pH 5.73 ± 0.03, spreadability 6.28 ± 0.21 g·cm/s and viscosity 5080 ± 78 cP. FTIR analysis showed retention of characteristic ornidazole peaks without major drug–excipient interaction. The optimized formulation remained physically stable during the reported 60-day study. The study demonstrates the feasibility of developing an ornidazole-loaded NLC topical gel using a Box–Behnken design. The optimized formulation exhibited nanoscale particle size, acceptable PDI, measurable negative zeta potential, good entrapment and sustained drug release, supporting further investigation as a topical delivery system.

Nowadays Socail media has become an important tool for healthcare marketing and communication through some platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, You Tube, Linkedin and X healp pharamaceutical and healthcare organizations communicate information, education for consumers and promotion of the healthcare and other products. Advertisements, instructive postings, patient testimonials, and awareness campaigns are examples of social media material that can increase customers' awareness of and familiarity with healthcare products. The general public frequently uses social media as a source of health information. Social media platforms must take steps to improve access to and exposure to high-quality, science-based information because of the potential for material shared through these platforms to affect health outcomes. The work of an independent advisory group organized by the National Academy of Medicine is summarized in this paper. The group discussed and gathered data to create a set of preliminary principles and characteristics that could guide platforms' identification and potential elevation of reliable sources of health information. The authors explore the possibility of trustworthiness among main categories and types of government and nonprofit organizations that disseminate health information via social media using these principles and characteristics as a framework. In addition to source evaluation, the authors stress the necessity of parallel methodologies, such as content assessment, as well as crucial ethical considerations like the defence of free speech and human autonomy. The study also emphasises that social media companies should share data with behavioural and public health experts to comprehend the effects of such rules on both online and offline behaviours in order to be regarded as credible themselves Research on the use of social media by medical professionals is still lacking. Only a small portion of chemists utilize social media for work-related purposes, despite the fact that the majority have at least one account, according to the scant study on the subject.

Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder characterized by the development of irregular, symmetrical, and brownish facial patches, which can significantly affect the appearance and quality of life of affected individuals. Methimazole, an antithyroid drug, has been investigated for its potential topical depigmenting activity due to its ability to interfere with melanogenesis. The present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a methimazole-loaded emulgel intended for topical application in the management of melasma. Pre-formulation studies were carried out to determine the solubility, melting point, ultraviolet absorption maximum, and drug–excipient compatibility. The prepared formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, and in-vitro drug release characteristics. Drug–excipient compatibility was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, while differential scanning calorimetry was employed to investigate the thermal characteristics of the formulation. The developed emulgels exhibited satisfactory physical characteristics with acceptable pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drug content, indicating their suitability for topical administration. In-vitro drug release studies demonstrated sustained release of methimazole from the emulgel formulations over the studied period. The release data were further analysed to understand the mechanism of drug release. Short-term stability studies were also performed to assess the physical and chemical stability of the prepared formulations. Overall, the study demonstrated the successful development of a methimazole-loaded emulgel with desirable physicochemical properties and controlled drug-release characteristics, suggesting its potential as a topical formulation for further investigation in the management of melasma. Emulgel have several merits like greaseless, easily spreadable, easily removable, emollient and transparency.

Dapsone is a synthetic sulfone with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, but conventional topical formulations may provide limited skin penetration and short local retention. This study aimed to develop, optimize, and characterize a dapsone-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle (DDP-SLN) polymeric hydrogel for controlled dermal delivery. DDP-SLNs were prepared by hot homogenization followed by probe ultrasonication using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), soya lecithin, and Tween 80. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design using Design-Expert® Version 13 was employed to optimize the formulation based on particle size, entrapment efficiency, and 12-h cumulative drug release. The optimized DDP-SLN dispersion was incorporated into Carbopol 934 hydrogel and evaluated for physicochemical, rheological, drug-release, and stability characteristics. The optimized DDP-SLN showed a particle size of 140.38 nm, PDI of 0.287, zeta potential of −35.0 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 87.93%. The hydrogel exhibited homogeneous texture, pH of 6.23 ± 0.08, viscosity of 8486.67 ± 70.95 cP, and spreadability of 18.42 g·cm/s. Cumulative drug release reached 87.90% over 12 h and followed the Higuchi model (R² = 0.9910), while the Korsmeyer–Peppas exponent (n = 0.612) indicated anomalous transport. The formulation remained stable under the evaluated storage conditions, demonstrating its potential as a topical delivery system for dapsone. The system was designed to enhance drug localization while providing sustained release and hydrogel performance. These findings demonstrate the suitability of combining SLN technology with a hydrogel to improve topical dapsone delivery and maintain formulation quality.

ABSTRACT: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative technology in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and regulatory decision-making throughout the product lifecycle. Recent studies have demonstrated the application of AI and Machine Learning (ML) in regulatory intelligence, dossier preparation, document management, pharmacovigilance, signal detection, and compliance monitoring. Regulatory agencies worldwide are increasingly exploring AI-driven approaches to streamline regulatory submissions and improve review processes while maintaining safety, efficacy, and quality standards. This review aims to evaluate the role of AI in transforming regulatory affairs and to compare the adoption and implementation of AI-enabled regulatory practices by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), India, and Health Canada. The study examines current applications of AI in regulatory operations, including automated document review, adverse event monitoring, data analytics, and decision-support systems. Furthermore, it assesses the opportunities, challenges, and regulatory considerations associated with AI integration, such as data governance, transparency, validation, ethical concerns, and workforce readiness. The study concludes that AI has the potential to reshape the future of regulatory science by improving operational efficiency and regulatory effectiveness. Strategic adoption of AI technologies by regulatory authorities can contribute to faster access to safe and effective medicines while maintaining high regulatory standards4.

ABSTRACT: mRNA based therapeutics have evolved emerged as a promising platform in modern medicine because they facilitate provisional production of specific protein within cells. Their applications extend beyond infectious disease vaccines to cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement, gene editing, regenerative medicine, and treating of genetic disorders. Although, the successful development of these products depends on appropriate control of RNA quality, stability, delivery system, manufacturing processes, safety, and efficacy. This research focus on reviewing the regulatory requirements for m RNA based therapeutics in India and Switzerland with particularly focus on the central drug standard control organization (CDSCO) and SWISSMEDIC. The study compares their regulatory framework, approval pathways, manufacturing requirements, quality and storage condition, development criteria. India follow its existing drug and biological product regulatory framework, while Switzerland provide a structured approach for innovative and advanced therapeutics products. The comparative assessment indicates that India has considerable potential for cost effective manufacturing and expanding mRNA research, whereas Switzerland has a highly developed pharmaceutical and research environment. Continued improvement in regulatory guidance, manufacturing capability, product characterization, delivery technologies and safety monitoring may facilitate the wider development and adoption of mRNA-based therapeutics.

Herbal antacid chewing gum is becoming popular as one of the simplest and most patient-compliant ways to treat acidity and related stomach issues. Safe and convenient therapy appears to be in demand given the prevalence of illnesses like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), etc. The advantages of using natural herbal remedies in conjunction with chewing gum therapy seem to be a practical approach. Saliva secretion increases the gastric acid's buffering effect during chewing, ensuring a gradual release of the active substances. This review highlights few of the popular used herbal agent used as antacid and gastroprotective and explains the role of herbs in managing acidity. Different strategies for formulating are discussed along with significant materials and preparation techniques. Few significant parameters to be measured are discussed like acid neutralizing capacity, drug release, texture, stability. Available patents, future prospects are briefly discussed. In conclusion, it can be stated that chewing gums for antacids using herbal agents offer a good substitute. KEY WORDS: Herbal antacid chewing gum, gastroprotective activity, acid neutralization, herbal formulations, chewable dosage form.

Onychomycosis also referred to as dermatophytic onychomycosis or Tinea unguium, is a fungal nail infection primarily caused by dermatophytes (like Trichophyton rubrum), yeasts (like Candida albicans), and non-dermatophytic moulds. In this study, an effort was made to develop a herbal medicated antifungal nail lacquer using Caesalpinia bonducella seeds. The objective was to enhance clinical efficacy while improving patient compliance. Authenticated C. bonducella seeds were extracted and formulated into nail lacquers using suitable excipients, including film-forming agents, plasticizers, solvents, penetration enhancers, and resins. The prepared formulations were evaluated for various physicochemical and biological parameters such as smoothness, glossiness, non-volatile content, drug content, adhesion, diffusion, and antifungal activity (zone of inhibition). FTIR analysis confirmed drug–excipient compatibility by retaining characteristic peaks. Among the formulations, F5 was identified as the optimized batch and subjected to accelerated stability testing under ICH guidelines at 37 ± 2 °C for one month. The results showed no significant changes in its initial characteristics, while the formulation maintained excellent antifungal activity. Overall, the developed antifungal nail lacquer demonstrated safety, stability, and effectiveness, suggesting its potential as a novel dosage form for the treatment of dermatophytic nail infections such as onychomycosis. Its use may significantly improve therapeutic outcomes and patient adherence compared to conventional therapies.

Gastro retentive drug delivery system (GRDDS), these dosage forms are designed to achieve prolonged gastric residence time in controlled release manner. The floating drug delivery system (FDDS) also comes under the gastro retentive drug delivery system. These type of formulations helps to improve the solubility of poorly soluble drugs and enhances the bioavailability of the drug. In gastrointestinal tract the absorption of dosage form or drug molecule is a highly variable process. To overcome all these physiological problems Novel Drug Delivery System (NDDS) plays an important role. FDDS works on the principle of buoyancy (the tendency of an object or a molecule float in a fluid or the upward force that a fluid exerts on an object) which allows the drug to remain in the gastric environment for a prolonged period of time without rapid passing into the intestine. Floatation of a drug is due to bulk density less than gastric fluids and so, remain buoyant in the stomach for a prolonged period of time. Releasing the drug slowly at the desired rate and increase the bioavailability of narrow absorption window drugs. This review helps to know the floating drug delivery system principle, advantages and disadvantages, need for floating bilayer tablets, challenges in bi-layer tablet manufacturing and characterization and evaluation methods for bilayer floating tablets.