scholarly journals Nebulised Isotonic Hydroxychloroquine Aerosols for Potential Treatment of COVID-19

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1260
Author(s):  
Waiting Tai ◽  
Michael Yee Tak Chow ◽  
Rachel Yoon Kyung Chang ◽  
Patricia Tang ◽  
Igor Gonda ◽  
...  

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an unprecedented pandemic that has severely impacted global public health and the economy. Hydroxychloroquine administered orally to COVID-19 patients was ineffective, but its antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions were observed in vitro. The lack of efficacy in vivo could be due to the inefficiency of the oral route in attaining high drug concentration in the lungs. Delivering hydroxychloroquine by inhalation may be a promising alternative for direct targeting with minimal systemic exposure. This paper reports on the characterisation of isotonic, pH-neutral hydroxychloroquine sulphate (HCQS) solutions for nebulisation for COVID-19. They can be prepared, sterilised, and nebulised for testing as an investigational new drug for treating this infection. The 20, 50, and 100 mg/mL HCQS solutions were stable for at least 15 days without refrigeration when stored in darkness. They were atomised from Aerogen Solo Ultra vibrating mesh nebulisers (1 mL of each of the three concentrations and, in addition, 1.5 mL of 100 mg/mL) to form droplets having a median volumetric diameter of 4.3–5.2 µm, with about 50–60% of the aerosol by volume < 5 µm. The aerosol droplet size decreased (from 4.95 to 4.34 µm) with increasing drug concentration (from 20 to 100 mg/mL). As the drug concentration and liquid volume increased, the nebulisation duration increased from 3 to 11 min. The emitted doses ranged from 9.1 to 75.9 mg, depending on the concentration and volume nebulised. The HCQS solutions appear suitable for preclinical and clinical studies for potential COVID-19 treatment.

Drug Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (04) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanqing Li ◽  
Zhiguo Li ◽  
Lisha Wei ◽  
Aiping Zheng

AbstractWe created a novel paclitaxel (PTX) nanoparticle drug delivery system and compared this to acommercial injection preparation to evaluate the antitumor effects for both formulations in vivo and in vitro.PTXnanocrystals were 194.9 nm with potential of −29.6 mV. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that both formulations had similar effects and cytotoxicity was dose- and time-dependent.Pharmacodynamics indicated that the drug concentration at the tumor was greater with PTX nanocrystals compared to commercial injection (P<0.01) and that drug accumulated more and for a longer duration. In vivo antitumor evaluation indicated significant antitumor effects and low toxicity of PTX nanocrystals. Moreover, bioimaging indicated that the PTX retention time in MCF-7-bearing mice was longer, especially at the tumor site, and this high drug concentration was maintained for a long time.Overall, PTX nanocrystalsare feasible and superior to traditional injection formulation chemotherapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Habib Mohamad Ali Ahmad ◽  
Marc Fakhoury ◽  
Nada Lawand

: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of neurons leading to cognitive and memory decay. The main signs of AD include the irregular extracellular accumulation of amyloidbeta (Aβ) protein in the brain and the hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein inside neurons. Changes in Aβ expression or aggregation are considered key factors in the pathophysiology of sporadic and early-onset AD and correlate with the cognitive decline seen in patients with AD. Despite decades of research, current approaches in the treatment of AD are only symptomatic in nature and are not effective in slowing or reversing the course of the disease. Encouragingly, recent evidence revealed that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) can delay the development of AD and improve memory. This review paper discusses findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that investigate the link between EMF and AD at the cellular and behavioural level, and highlights the potential benefits of EMF as an innovative approach for the treatment of AD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xi He ◽  
Wenjun Hu ◽  
Fanhua Meng ◽  
Xingzhou Li

Background: The broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug nitazoxanide (N) has been repositioned as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. Nitazoxanide’s in vivo antiviral activities are mainly attributed to its metabolitetizoxanide, the deacetylation product of nitazoxanide. In reference to the pharmacokinetic profile of nitazoxanide, we proposed the hypotheses that the low plasma concentrations and the low system exposure of tizoxanide after dosing with nitazoxanide result from significant first pass effects in the liver. It was thought that this may be due to the unstable acyloxy bond of nitazoxanide. Objective: Tizoxanide prodrugs, with the more stable formamyl substituent attached to the hydroxyl group rather than the acetyl group of nitazoxanide, were designed with the thought that they might be more stable in plasma. It was anticipated that these prodrugs might be less affected by the first pass effect, which would improve plasma concentrations and system exposure of tizoxanide. Method: These O-carbamoyl tizoxanide prodrugs were synthesized and evaluated in a mouse model for pharmacokinetic (PK) properties and in an in vitro model for plasma stabilities. Results: The results indicated that the plasma concentration and the systemic exposure of tizoxanide (T) after oral administration of O-carbamoyl tizoxanide prodrugs were much greater than that produced by equimolar dosage of nitazoxanide. It was also found that the plasma concentration and the systemic exposure of tizoxanide glucuronide (TG) were much lower than that produced by nitazoxanide. Conclusion: Further analysis showed that the suitable plasma stability of O-carbamoyl tizoxanide prodrugs is the key factor in maximizing the plasma concentration and the systemic exposure of the active ingredient tizoxanide.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S669-S669
Author(s):  
Dung N Nguyen ◽  
Xiusheng Miao ◽  
Mindy Magee ◽  
Guoying Tai ◽  
Peter D Gorycki ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Fostemsavir (FTR) is an oral prodrug of the first-in-class attachment inhibitor temsavir (TMR) which is being evaluated in patients with multidrug resistant HIV-1 infection. In vitro studies indicated that TMR and its 2 major metabolites are inhibitors of organic cation transporters (OCT)1, OCT2, and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters (MATEs). To assess the clinical relevance, of OCT and MATE inhibition, mechanistic static DDI prediction with calculated Imax,u/IC50 ratios was below the cut-off limits for a DDI flag based on FDA guidelines and above the cut-off limits for MATEs based on EMA guidelines. Methods Metformin is a commonly used probe substrate for OCT1, OCT2 and MATEs. To predict the potential for a drug interaction between TMR and metformin, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for TMR was developed based on its physicochemical properties, in vitro and in vivo data. The model was verified and validated through comparison with clinical data. The TMR PBPK model accurately described AUC and Cmax within 30% of the observed data for single and repeat dose studies with or without food. The SimCYP models for metformin and ritonavir were qualified using literature data before applications of DDI prediction for TMR Results TMR was simulated at steady state concentrations after repeated oral doses of FTR 600 mg twice daily which allowed assessment of the potential OCT1, OCT2, and MATEs inhibition by TMR and metabolites. No significant increase in metformin systemic exposure (AUC or Cmax) was predicted with FTR co-administration. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted for either hepatic OCT1 Ki, or renal OCT2 and MATEs Ki values. The model output indicated that, a 10-fold more potent Ki value for TMR would be required to have a ~15% increase in metformin exposure Conclusion Based on mechanistic static models and PBPK modeling and simulation, the OCT1/2 and MATEs inhibition potential of TMR and its metabolites on metformin pharmacokinetics is not clinically significant. No dose adjustment of metformin is necessary when co-administered with FTR Disclosures Xiusheng Miao, PhD, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee) Mindy Magee, Doctor of Pharmacy, GlaxoSmithKline (Employee, Shareholder) Peter D. Gorycki, BEChe, MSc, PhD, GSK (Employee, Shareholder) Katy P. Moore, PharmD, RPh, ViiV Healthcare (Employee)


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomson Patrick Joseph ◽  
Warren Chanda ◽  
Arshad Ahmed Padhiar ◽  
Samana Batool ◽  
Shao LiQun ◽  
...  

Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. For certain types of cancer, chemotherapy drugs have been extensively used for treatment. However, severe side effects and the development of resistance are the drawbacks of these agents. Therefore, development of new agents with no or minimal side effects is of utmost importance. In this regard, natural compounds are well recognized as drugs in several human ailments, including cancer. One class of fungi, “mushrooms,” contains numerous compounds that exhibit interesting biological activities, including antitumor activity. Many researchers, including our own group, are focusing on the anticancer potential of different mushrooms and the underlying molecular mechanism behind their action. The aim of this review is to discuss PI3K/AKT, Wnt-CTNNB1, and NF-κB signaling pathways, the occurrence of genetic alterations in them, the association of these aberrations with different human cancers and how different nodes of these pathways are targeted by various substances of mushroom origin. We have given evidence to propose the therapeutic attributes and possible mode of molecular actions of various mushroom-originated compounds. However, anticancer effects were typically demonstrated in in vitro and in vivo models and very limited number of studies have been conducted in the human population. It is our belief that this review will help the research community in designing concrete preclinical and clinical studies to test the anticancer potential of mushroom-originated compounds on different cancers harboring particular genetic alteration(s).


1983 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suman Gupta ◽  
J. C. Katiyar

AbstractThe activity, in terms of speed of action, of three anticestode drugs against Hymenolepis nana, both in vivo and in vitro, was investigated. Praziquantel was most effective in vivo, but had little action on adult worms and cysticercoids in vitro. Niclosamide, the least effective in vivo, was highly toxic in vitro. Compound 77–6 killed adult worms and cysticercoids in vitro in 10 min and 15 min respectively at 1000 μg/ml of drug concentration, but its in viro effect was intermediate between that of praziquantel and niclosamide.


mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vineet D. Menachery ◽  
Hugh D. Mitchell ◽  
Adam S. Cockrell ◽  
Lisa E. Gralinski ◽  
Boyd L. Yount ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT While dispensable for viral replication, coronavirus (CoV) accessory open reading frame (ORF) proteins often play critical roles during infection and pathogenesis. Utilizing a previously generated mutant, we demonstrate that the absence of all four Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV) accessory ORFs (deletion of ORF3, -4a, -4b, and -5 [dORF3-5]) has major implications for viral replication and pathogenesis. Importantly, attenuation of the dORF3-5 mutant is primarily driven by dysregulated host responses, including disrupted cell processes, augmented interferon (IFN) pathway activation, and robust inflammation. In vitro replication attenuation also extends to in vivo models, allowing use of dORF3-5 as a live attenuated vaccine platform. Finally, examination of ORF5 implicates a partial role in modulation of NF-κB-mediated inflammation. Together, the results demonstrate the importance of MERS-CoV accessory ORFs for pathogenesis and highlight them as potential targets for surveillance and therapeutic treatments moving forward. IMPORTANCE The initial emergence and periodic outbreaks of MERS-CoV highlight a continuing threat posed by zoonotic pathogens to global public health. In these studies, mutant virus generation demonstrates the necessity of accessory ORFs in regard to MERS-CoV infection and pathogenesis. With this in mind, accessory ORF functions can be targeted for both therapeutic and vaccine treatments in response to MERS-CoV and related group 2C coronaviruses. In addition, disruption of accessory ORFs in parallel may offer a rapid response platform to attenuation of future emergent strains based on both SARS- and MERS-CoV accessory ORF mutants. IMPORTANCE The initial emergence and periodic outbreaks of MERS-CoV highlight a continuing threat posed by zoonotic pathogens to global public health. In these studies, mutant virus generation demonstrates the necessity of accessory ORFs in regard to MERS-CoV infection and pathogenesis. With this in mind, accessory ORF functions can be targeted for both therapeutic and vaccine treatments in response to MERS-CoV and related group 2C coronaviruses. In addition, disruption of accessory ORFs in parallel may offer a rapid response platform to attenuation of future emergent strains based on both SARS- and MERS-CoV accessory ORF mutants.


2009 ◽  
Vol 53 (8) ◽  
pp. 3218-3225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Juan Jiang ◽  
Yat Sun Or

ABSTRACT EDP-420 (also known as EP-013420, or S-013420) is a first-in-class bridged bicyclolide currently in clinical development for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTI) and has previously shown favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety profiles after the administration of single oral doses of a suspension to healthy volunteers. Here we report its PK profile after the administration of multiple oral doses of a suspension to healthy adults. Bioequivalence between suspension and capsule formulations, as well as the effect of food, is also reported. The most important PK features of EDP-420 observed in these clinical studies are its long half-life of 17 to 18 h and its high systemic exposure, which support once-daily dosing and treatment durations potentially shorter than those of most other macrolide antibiotics. EDP-420 is readily absorbed following oral administration in both suspension and capsule formulations. In the multiple-oral-dose study, steady state was achieved on day 1 by using a loading dose of 400 mg/day, followed by 2 days of 200 mg/day. A high-fat meal had no effect on the bioavailability of EDP-420 administered in a capsule formulation. EDP-420 was well tolerated, with no serious or severe adverse events reported, and no subject was discontinued from the study due to an adverse event. Based on its human PK and safety profiles, together with its in vitro/in vivo activities against common respiratory pathogens, EDP-420 warrants further development, including trials for clinical efficacy in the treatment of RTI.


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan E. Eldesouky ◽  
Abdelrahman Mayhoub ◽  
Tony R. Hazbun ◽  
Mohamed N. Seleem

ABSTRACTInvasive candidiasis presents an emerging global public health challenge due to the emergence of resistance to the frontline treatment options, such as fluconazole. Hence, the identification of other compounds capable of pairing with fluconazole and averting azole resistance would potentially prolong the clinical utility of this important group. In an effort to repurpose drugs in the field of antifungal drug discovery, we explored sulfa antibacterial drugs for the purpose of reversing azole resistance inCandida. In this study, we assembled and investigated a library of 21 sulfa antibacterial drugs for their ability to restore fluconazole sensitivity inCandida albicans. Surprisingly, the majority of assayed sulfa drugs (15 of 21) were found to exhibit synergistic relationships with fluconazole by checkerboard assay with fractional inhibitory concentration index (ΣFIC) values ranging from <0.0312 to 0.25. Remarkably, five sulfa drugs were able to reverse azole resistance in a clinically achievable range. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of the amino benzene sulfonamide scaffold as antifungal agents were studied. We also identified the possible mechanism of the synergistic interaction of sulfa antibacterial drugs with azole antifungal drugs. Furthermore, the ability of sulfa antibacterial drugs to inhibitCandidabiofilm by 40%in vitrowas confirmed. In addition, the effects of sulfa-fluconazole combinations onCandidagrowth kinetics and efflux machinery were explored. Finally, using aCaenorhabditis elegansinfection model, we demonstrated that the sulfa-fluconazole combination does possess potent antifungal activityin vivo, reducingCandidain infected worms by ∼50% compared to the control.


Planta Medica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 85 (03) ◽  
pp. 239-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anju Benny ◽  
Jaya Thomas

AbstractAlzheimerʼs disease is a multifarious neurodegenerative disease that causes cognitive impairment and gradual memory loss. Several hypotheses have been put forward to postulate its pathophysiology. Currently, few drugs are available for the management of Alzheimerʼs disease and the treatment provides only symptomatic relief. Our aim is to review the relevant in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies focused toward the potential uses of essential oils in the treatment of Alzheimerʼs disease. Scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar from April 1998 to June 2018 were explored to collect data. We have conducted wide search on various essential oils used in different models of Alzheimerʼs disease. Out of 55 essential oils identified for Alzheimerʼs intervention, 28 have been included in the present review. A short description of in vivo studies of 13 essential oils together with clinical trial data of Salvia officinalis, Salvia lavandulifolia, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, and Rosmarinus officinalis have been highlighted. In vitro studies of remaining essential oils that possess antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential are also mentioned. Our literary survey revealed encouraging results regarding the various essential oils being studied in preclinical and clinical studies of Alzheimerʼs disease with significant effects in modulating the pathology through anti-amyloid, antioxidants, anticholinesterase, and memory-enhancement activity.


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