Himanshu Gupta

Publications

• Two faces of carbon nanotube: toxicities and pharmaceutical applications.

  Neha Gulati, Himanshu Gupta

  Critical reviews in therapeutic drug carrier systems. 01/2012; 29(1):65-88.

  In the field of nanotechnology, carbon nanotube (CNT) is gaining importance for the delivery of therapeutic agents and diagnosis of diseases. CNT is emerging as an efficient nanocarrier system with cylindrical nanostructure. Due to its nanoscale dimensions, CNTs have a high cell-penetration quality ... [more] In the field of nanotechnology, carbon nanotube (CNT) is gaining importance for the delivery of therapeutic agents and diagnosis of diseases. CNT is emerging as an efficient nanocarrier system with cylindrical nanostructure. Due to its nanoscale dimensions, CNTs have a high cell-penetration quality that allows its use in site-specific targeting. Another aspect of the utilization of CNT lies in its hollow structure through which an active moiety can be delivered in a controlled manner via CNTs' nano channels. Despite these positive aspects of CNT, scientists are still working to improve its biocompatibility and solubility and eliminating toxicity in vivo, which are creating problems with the use of CNTs. Therefore, functionalization becomes an important aspect to be studied because it decreases the toxicity of CNTs and make them nonimmunogenic. In this review, different functionalization techniques of CNTs and their biomedical applications-in particular for cancer therapy to date-are reviewed in detail to present the potential of this nanovector.
• 2.89

  Impact points

  Biodegradable levofloxacin nanoparticles for sustained ocular drug delivery.

  Himanshu Gupta, M Aqil, R K Khar, Asgar Ali, Aseem Bhatnagar, Gaurav Mittal

  Journal of drug targeting. 07/2011; 19(6):409-17.

  Drug delivery to ocular region is a challenging task. Only 1-2% of drug is available in eye for therapeutic action, rest of the drug is drained out through nasolachrymal drainage system and other ocular physiological barriers. To overcome these problems of conventional dosage form, novel drug delive... [more] Drug delivery to ocular region is a challenging task. Only 1-2% of drug is available in eye for therapeutic action, rest of the drug is drained out through nasolachrymal drainage system and other ocular physiological barriers. To overcome these problems of conventional dosage form, novel drug delivery systems are explored like nanoparticles. In our present work, levofloxacin encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles were developed and evaluated for various parameters like particle size, ζ potential, in vitro drug release and ex vivo transcorneal permeation. Microbiological efficacy was tested against Staphylococcus aureus using cup-plate method. Precorneal residence time was studied on albino rabbits by γ scintigraphy after radiolabeling of levofloxacin by Tc-99m. Ocular tolerance was evaluated using hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) test. The developed nanoparticles were of spherical shape with a mean particle size of 190-195 nm with a ζ potential of -25 mV. The drug entrapment efficiency was found to be near 85%. In vitro drug release profile shows initial burst release followed by extended release up to 24 h. Microbiological assay showed equivalent zone of inhibition compared to marketed formulation. γ Scintigraphy images of developed formulation, suggested a good spread and good retention over precorneal area. The nanosuspension thus developed was retained for the longer time and drained out from the eye very slowly compared to marketed formulation as significant radioactivity was recorded in later in kidney and bladder. The developed nanosuspension with a mean score of 0.33 up to 24 h in HET-CAM assay, showed the nonirritant efficacy of developed formulation. The stability studies yielded a degradation constant less then 5 × 10(-4), proving a stable formulation with an arbitrary shelf life of 2 years.

• Parenteral drug delivery: a review.

  Neha Gulati, Himanshu Gupta

  Recent patents on drug delivery & formulation. 04/2011; 5(2):133-45.

  The parenteral route of administration is the most effective route for the delivery of the active pharmaceutical substances with narrow therapeutic index, poor bioavailability especially for those drugs, prescribed to unconscious patients. To maintain a therapeutic effective concentration of the dru... [more] The parenteral route of administration is the most effective route for the delivery of the active pharmaceutical substances with narrow therapeutic index, poor bioavailability especially for those drugs, prescribed to unconscious patients. To maintain a therapeutic effective concentration of the drug, it requires frequent injections which ultimately lead to patient discomfort. In parenteral drug delivery, major progress has been done in the field of formulation technologies so as to provide a targeted and sustained release of drug in predictable manner. The present article reviews recent patents and major advancements in parenteral drug delivery systems along with general introduction. This article also deals with importance of novel systems in drug delivery to overcome the problems associated with conventional parenteral drug delivery systems.
• 3.27

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  Synthesis, antidepressant and antifungal evaluation of novel 2-chloro-8-methylquinoline amine derivatives.

  Suresh Kumar, Sandhya Bawa, Sushma Drabu, Himanshu Gupta, Lalit Machwal, Rajiv Kumar

  European journal of medicinal chemistry. 02/2011; 46(2):670-5.

  A new series of N-[(2-chloro-8-methylquinolin-3-yl)methyl]-(substituted)-aniline/butylamine/cyclohexylamine/benzylamine derivatives (4a-p) was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2-chloro-3-(chloromethyl)-8-methylquinoline 3 with various aliphatic and aromatic amines in absolute eth... [more] A new series of N-[(2-chloro-8-methylquinolin-3-yl)methyl]-(substituted)-aniline/butylamine/cyclohexylamine/benzylamine derivatives (4a-p) was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2-chloro-3-(chloromethyl)-8-methylquinoline 3 with various aliphatic and aromatic amines in absolute ethanol in the presence of triethylamine (TEA). The newly synthesized secondary amines were characterized by the combined use of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral data and microanalyses. The antidepressant activity of the synthesized compounds (4a-p) was evaluated by Forced swim test in rats and their neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod test. Test compounds and clomipramine were administered intraperitoneally at dose of 100 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg respectively. Preliminary antidepressant screening of compounds (4a-p) revealed that compounds 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4i and 4o significantly (P<0.01) reduces the duration of immobility time. These compounds were also tested in-vitro for MAO inhibitory effect. All the compounds were also screened for antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger MTCC 281, Aspergillus flavus MTCC 277, Monascus purpureus MTCC 369 and Penicillium citrinum NCIM 768 strains.

• Launch of the special issue of JPBS on CBRN disaster management.

  Himanshu Gupta

  Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. 01/2011; 3(1):3.
• 2.89

  Impact points

  Ion- and pH-activated novel in-situ gel system for sustained ocular drug delivery.

  Himanshu Gupta, T Velpandian, Sanyog Jain

  Journal of drug targeting. 08/2010; 18(7):499-505.

  Poor bioavailability (<1%) of drugs from conventional eye drops is mainly due to the various precorneal loss factors which include rapid tear turnover, systemic drug absorption through naso-lachrymal duct, transient residence time of the drug solution in the cul-de-sac and the relative impermeabi... [more] Poor bioavailability (<1%) of drugs from conventional eye drops is mainly due to the various precorneal loss factors which include rapid tear turnover, systemic drug absorption through naso-lachrymal duct, transient residence time of the drug solution in the cul-de-sac and the relative impermeability of the drugs to corneal epithelial membrane. The present study describes the formulation and evaluation of chitosan and gellan gum based novel in-situ gel system activated by dual physiological mechanisms. Chitosan (a pH-sensitive polymer) in combination with gellan gum (an ion-activated polymer) were used as gelling agent. Timolol maleate, the drug which is frequently used for glaucoma therapy was used as model drug to check the efficacy of the formulation. The developed formulation was characterized for various in vitro parameters, for example, clarity, gelation pH, isotonicity, sterility, viscosity, transcorneal permeation profile, and ocular irritation. Ocular retention was studied by gamma scintigraphy and a significant increase in retention time was observed. The formulation was also found to be nonirritant and well tolerable. The developed system can be a viable alternative to conventional eye drops for the treatment of various ocular diseases and is suitable for clinical application.
• 0.86

  Impact points

  A single reversed-phase UPLC method for quantification of levofloxacin in aqueous humour and pharmaceutical dosage forms.

  Himanshu Gupta, M Aqil, R K Khar, Asgar Ali, Prakash Chander

  Journal of chromatographic science. 07/2010; 48(6):484-90.

  An attempt was made to develop a single, rapid, specific, and sensitive gradient reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method for quantitative analysis of levofloxacin. The single method thus developed is applied for the quantification of levofloxacin both in aqueous humour as well... [more] An attempt was made to develop a single, rapid, specific, and sensitive gradient reversed-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method for quantitative analysis of levofloxacin. The single method thus developed is applied for the quantification of levofloxacin both in aqueous humour as well as pharmaceutical dosage forms (i.e., tablets and eye drops). The newly developed method is applicable for pharmacokinetic studies of eye formulations. The chromatographic separation of levofloxacin was achieved on a Waters Acquity HSS T-3 column (100 x 2.1 mm, 1.8 microm) within a short run-time of 5 min. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines with respect to system suitability, linearity, limit of quantitation and detection, precision, accuracy, robustness, and specificity. Forced degradation studies were also performed in levofloxacin bulk drug samples to demonstrate the stability-indicating power of the developed ultra-performance liquid chromatography method. The developed method was then successfully applied for the ocular pharmacokinetic study of levofloxacin eye formulations and assay of levofloxacin pharmaceutical dosage form.

• Patent protection strategies

  Himanshu Gupta, Suresh Kumar, Saroj Roy, R Gaud

  Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences. 01/2010;

  It is widely recognized that the pharmaceutical industry faces serious financial challenges. Large numbers of blockbuster drugs are losing patent protection and going generic. The pipeline of new drugs is too sparse to fill the gap and generate a platform for future growth. Moreover, many of the new... [more] It is widely recognized that the pharmaceutical industry faces serious financial challenges. Large numbers of blockbuster drugs are losing patent protection and going generic. The pipeline of new drugs is too sparse to fill the gap and generate a platform for future growth. Moreover, many of the new products are biologics with much narrower target patient populations and comparatively higher prices relative to traditional pharmaceuticals. So now the time has come for pharmaceutical scientists to have a better understanding of patent fundamentals. This need is illustrated by analyses of key scientific and legal issues that arose during recent patent infringement cases involving Prozac, Prilosec, and Buspar. Facing this scenario, the pharmaceutical industry has moved to accelerate drug development process and to adopt at the same time different strategies to extend the life time of the patent monopoly to provide the economic incentives and utilizing it for drug discovery and development. This review covers the need of patent protection and various strategies to extend the patent.

• Patent protection strategies.

  Himanshu Gupta, Suresh Kumar, Saroj Kumar Roy, R S Gaud

  Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. 01/2010; 2(1):2-7.

  It is widely recognized that the pharmaceutical industry faces serious financial challenges. Large numbers of blockbuster drugs are losing patent protection and going generic. The pipeline of new drugs is too sparse to fill the gap and generate a platform for future growth. Moreover, many of the new... [more] It is widely recognized that the pharmaceutical industry faces serious financial challenges. Large numbers of blockbuster drugs are losing patent protection and going generic. The pipeline of new drugs is too sparse to fill the gap and generate a platform for future growth. Moreover, many of the new products are biologics with much narrower target patient populations and comparatively higher prices relative to traditional pharmaceuticals. So now the time has come for pharmaceutical scientists to have a better understanding of patent fundamentals. This need is illustrated by analyses of key scientific and legal issues that arose during recent patent infringement cases involving Prozac, Prilosec, and Buspar. Facing this scenario, the pharmaceutical industry has moved to accelerate drug development process and to adopt at the same time different strategies to extend the life time of the patent monopoly to provide the economic incentives and utilizing it for drug discovery and development. This review covers the need of patent protection and various strategies to extend the patent.

• Biodegradable Biomaterials

  Sandeep Soni, Himanshu Gupta, Neeraj Kumar, Dhruv K. Nishad, Gaurav Mittal, Aseem Bhatnagar

  Recent Patents on Biomedical Engineering. 01/2010; 23(1-1874-7647):30-40.

  In recent years polymer science has been developed enormously. Researchers have made some significant discoveries and advancements in this field. All these things have lead to a new era of polymer science especially biodegradable polymers. Today a number of biopolymers are known and used for differe... [more] In recent years polymer science has been developed enormously. Researchers have made some significant discoveries and advancements in this field. All these things have lead to a new era of polymer science especially biodegradable polymers. Today a number of biopolymers are known and used for different purposes in biomedical applications. Biodegradable polymers have played a significant role in therapeutics and drug delivery. These biopolymers are advantageous in tissue engineering and other drug delivery systems. A number of biopolymers and their blends are available in market with various physical, chemical and biological properties. The suitability of polymer for biomedical applications depends on its biocompatibility, degradation process (metabolites) and non-immunogenic property. This review summarizes different polymers, their physiological characters, and their use in biomedical applications along with the compilation of recent patents related to biodegradable polymers.
• 0.86

  Impact points

  Development and validation of a stability-indicating RP-UPLC method for the quantitative analysis of sparfloxacin.

  Himanshu Gupta, M Aqil, R K Khar, Asgar Ali, Aarti Sharma, Prakash Chander

  Journal of chromatographic science. 01/2010; 48(1):1-6.

  A rapid, specific, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (UPLC) method for quantitative analysis of sparfloxacin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations has been developed and validated. In this work, a new gradient reversed-phase chromatographic method was developed. The newly... [more] A rapid, specific, and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (UPLC) method for quantitative analysis of sparfloxacin in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulations has been developed and validated. In this work, a new gradient reversed-phase chromatographic method was developed. The newly developed method is applicable for assay determination of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The chromatographic separation of sparfloxacin was achieved on a Waters Acquity HSS T-3 column (100 x 2.1 mm, 1.8 microm) within a short runtime of 5 min. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines with respect to system suitability, linearity, limit of quantitation and detection, precision, accuracy, robustness, and specificity. Forced degradation studies were also performed for sparfloxacin bulk drug samples to demonstrate the stability indicating power of the UPLC method. Comparison of system performance with conventional HPLC was made with respect to analysis time, efficiency, and sensitivity. The developed method was applied for the assay of marketed sparfloxacin formulations like tablets and eye drops.

• Biological Activities of Pyrazoline Derivatives -A Recent Development.

  Suresh Kumar, Sandhya Bawa, Sushma Drabu, Rajiv Kumar, Himanshu Gupta

  Recent patents on anti-infective drug discovery. 12/2009;

  Pyrazolines are well known and important nitrogen containing 5-membered heterocyclic compounds and various methods have been worked out for their synthesis. Numerous pyrazoline derivatives have been found to possess considerable biological activities, which stimulated the research activity in this f... [more] Pyrazolines are well known and important nitrogen containing 5-membered heterocyclic compounds and various methods have been worked out for their synthesis. Numerous pyrazoline derivatives have been found to possess considerable biological activities, which stimulated the research activity in this field. They have several prominent effects, such as antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, antiamoebic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant and anticancer activities. They also possess some potent receptor selective biological activity like Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor and Cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonists activity. 4,5-dihydro-1H- pyrazolines seem to be the most frequently studied pyrazoline type compounds. As a result, a large number of such pyrazolines using different synthetic methods for their preparation have been described in the chemistry literature. The present review provides an insight view to pyrazolines synthesis and its biological activities along with the compilation of recent patents on pyrazolines.
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  Impact points

  Biological activities of quinoline derivatives.

  Suresh Kumar, Sandhya Bawa, Himanshu Gupta

  Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. 12/2009; 9(14):1648-54.

  Quinoline and its fused heterocyclic derivatives tested with diverse pharmacological activity functional groups constitute an important class of compounds for new drug development. Therefore, many researchers have synthesized these compounds as target structures and evaluated their biological activi... [more] Quinoline and its fused heterocyclic derivatives tested with diverse pharmacological activity functional groups constitute an important class of compounds for new drug development. Therefore, many researchers have synthesized these compounds as target structures and evaluated their biological activities. The present review provides an in depth view of work done so far on quinolines and its biological activities covering anticancer, antimycobacterial, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antiinflamatory and cardiovascular activities.

• E-tongue: A Tool for Taste Evaluation.

  Himanshu Gupta, Aarti Sharma, Suresh Kumar, Saroj K Roy

  Recent patents on drug delivery & formulation. 10/2009;

  Taste has an important role in the development of oral pharmaceuticals. With respect to patient acceptability and compliance, taste is one of the prime factors determining the market penetration and commercial success of oral formulations, especially in pediatric medicine. Taste assessment is one im... [more] Taste has an important role in the development of oral pharmaceuticals. With respect to patient acceptability and compliance, taste is one of the prime factors determining the market penetration and commercial success of oral formulations, especially in pediatric medicine. Taste assessment is one important quality-control parameter for evaluating taste-masked formulations. Hence, pharmaceutical industries invest time, money and resources into developing palatable and pleasant-tasting products. The primary method for the taste measurement of a drug substance or a formulation is by human sensory evaluation, in which tasting a sample is relayed to inspectors. However, this method is impractical for early stage drug development because the test in humans is expensive and the taste of a drug candidate may not be important to the final product. Therefore, taste-sensing analytical devices, which can detect tastes, have been replacing the taste panelists. In the present review we are presenting different aspect of electronic tongue. The review article also discussed some useful patents and instrument with respect to E-tongue.
• 5.44

  Impact points

  Sparfloxacin loaded PLGA nanoparticles for sustained ocular drug delivery.

  Himanshu Gupta, M Aqil, R K Khar, Asgar Ali, Aseem Bhatnagar, Gaurav Mittal

  Nanomedicine : nanotechnology, biology, and medicine. 10/2009;

  Poor ocular bioavailability of drugs (<1%) from conventional eye drops (i.e. solution, suspension and ointments) is mainly due to the eye physiological barriers. In general, ocular efficacy is closely related to ocular drug bioavailability, which may be enhanced by increasing corneal drug penetra... [more] Poor ocular bioavailability of drugs (<1%) from conventional eye drops (i.e. solution, suspension and ointments) is mainly due to the eye physiological barriers. In general, ocular efficacy is closely related to ocular drug bioavailability, which may be enhanced by increasing corneal drug penetration and prolonging precorneal drug residence time. In our present work we develop and evaluate new colloidal system i.e. PLGA nanoparticle for sparfloxacin ophthalmic delivery to improve precorneal residence time and ocular penetration. Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique and characterized for various properties like particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, statistical model fitting, stability etc. Microbiological assay was carried out against Pseudomonas aeruginosa using cup-plate method. Precorneal residence time was studied on albino rabbits by gamma scintigraphy after radiolabelling of sparfloxacin by Tc-99m. Ocular tolerance of developed nanosuspension was also studied by HET-CAM method. The developed nanosuspension showed a mean particle size in the range of 180-190 nm, suitable for ophthalmic application with zeta potential of-22mV. In vitro release from developed nanosuspension showed an extended release profile of sparfloxacin according to peppas model. The observation of acquired gamma camera images showed good retention over the entire precorneal area for developed nanosuspension as compared to marketed formulation. Marketed drug formulation cleared very rapidly from the corneal region and reached to systemic circulation through nasolachrymal drainage system, as significant radioactivity was recorded in kidney and bladder after 6 h of ocular administration, whereas developed nanosuspension cleared at a very slow rate (p<0.05) and remained at corneal surface for longer duration as no radioactivity was observed in systemic circulation. HET-CAM assay with 0 score in 8 h, indicates the non irritant property of developed nanosuspension. The developed lyophilized nanosuspension was found to be stable for longer duration of time than the conventional marketed formulation with a good shelf life.
• 1.19

  Impact points

  Development and Characterization of (99m)Tc-timolol Maleate for Evaluating Efficacy of In Situ Ocular Drug Delivery System.

  Himanshu Gupta, M Aqil, R Khar, Asgar Ali, Aseem Bhatnagar, Gaurav Mittal, Sanyog Jain

  AAPS PharmSciTech. 05/2009;

  In situ gel-forming systems have drawn much attention of current researchers to overcome the poor bioavailability from the conventional eye drops. The present work described formulation and pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation of timolol-maleate-loaded chitosan/hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)-bas... [more] In situ gel-forming systems have drawn much attention of current researchers to overcome the poor bioavailability from the conventional eye drops. The present work described formulation and pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation of timolol-maleate-loaded chitosan/hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)-based polymer matrix for enhanced ocular retention. Chitosan and HPMC ratio was optimized and formulation was characterized for various in vitro parameters. The ocular retention was studied on New Zealand rabbits by gamma scintigraphy, which is a very simple and noninvasive technique. For scintigraphy study, the drug timolol maleate was radiolabeled (99m)Tc by direct labeling method using SnCl(2).2H(2)O as reducing agent. The labeling procedure was optimized to get maximum labeling efficiency (>98%). In vitro stability of the radiolabeled drug ((99m)Tc-timolol maleate complex) was checked and it was found to be stable for up to 24 h. Plain drug eliminates rapidly as significant activity was recorded in kidney and bladder after 2 h of ocular administration. It was evident from the scintigraphic images and the time-activity curve plotted from the data that the plain drug solution cleared very rapidly from the corneal region and reached into systemic circulation via nasolachrymal drainage system, as significant activity was recorded in kidney and bladder after 2 h of ocular administration. Developed formulation cleared at a slow rate and remained at corneal surface for longer time duration. No radioactivity was observed in systemic circulation after 2 h. Ocular irritation of the developed formulation was also checked by hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane test and formulation was found to be practically nonirritant. The study signified the potential of gamma scintigraphy in evaluation of novel drug delivery systems in a noninvasive manner.

• Recent trends in oral drug delivery: a review.

  Himanshu Gupta, Dinesh Bhandari, Aarti Sharma

  Recent patents on drug delivery & formulation. 02/2009; 3(2):162-73.

  There are many ways to deliver drugs into the body, viz oral (through swallowing), sub mucosal (through buccal and sublingual mucosa), parenteral (through injection), transdermal (through skin), pulmonary (through inhalation) etc. Among these deliveries oral delivery (by swallowing) is widely accept... [more] There are many ways to deliver drugs into the body, viz oral (through swallowing), sub mucosal (through buccal and sublingual mucosa), parenteral (through injection), transdermal (through skin), pulmonary (through inhalation) etc. Among these deliveries oral delivery (by swallowing) is widely accepted. In oral drug delivery, many scientific challenges and breakthrough technologies are required to generate novel dosage forms raising drug delivery to higher level. Some are self emulsifying systems, solid self nanoemulsion, polymeric micelles, spray freezing, pH controlled systems, time delayed system, osmotic pumps, prodrugs etc. This paper reviews recent patents, technologies and products with their importance, manufacturing and novel approaches implemented till date to overcome the challenges in oral drug delivery systems.

• Recent trends in protein and peptide drug delivery systems

  Himanshu Gupta, Aarti Sharma

  Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics. 01/2009;

  With the discovery of insulin in 1922, identification and commercialization of potential protein and peptide drugs have been increased. Since then, research and development to improve the means of delivering protein therapeutics to patients has begun. The research efforts have followed two basic pat... [more] With the discovery of insulin in 1922, identification and commercialization of potential protein and peptide drugs have been increased. Since then, research and development to improve the means of delivering protein therapeutics to patients has begun. The research efforts have followed two basic pathways: One path focused on noninvasive means of delivering proteins to the body and the second path has been primarily aimed at increasing the biological half-life of the therapeutic molecules. The search for approaches that provide formulations that are stable, bioavailable, readily manufacturable, and acceptable to the patient, has led to major advances in the development of nasal and controlled release technology, applicable to every protein or peptide. In several limited cases, sustained delivery of peptides and proteins has employed the use of polymeric carriers. More successes have been achieved by chemical modification using amino acid substitutions, protein pegylation or glycosylation to improve the pharmacodynamic properties of certain macromolecules and various delivery systems have been developed like the prolease technology, nano-particulate and microparticulate delivery systems, and the mucoadhesive delivery of peptides. The needle and syringe remain the primary means of protein delivery. Major hurdles remain in order to overcome the combined natural barriers of drug permeability, drug stability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of protein therapeutics. In our present review we have tried to compile some recent advances in protein and peptide drug delivery systems.

• Pluronic and Chitosan based In situ gel system for periodontal application

  Himanshu Gupta, Aarti Sharma, Birendra Shrivastava

  Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics. 01/2009;

  Aim of this paper is to develop and evaluate a physiologically activated in situ gel for local periodontal application. The gel, when at formulation pH and temperature (pH 6, 25°C) will be at liquid form which will be converted to gel at body pH and temperature (pH 7.4, 37°C) showing ease of adminis... [more] Aim of this paper is to develop and evaluate a physiologically activated in situ gel for local periodontal application. The gel, when at formulation pH and temperature (pH 6, 25°C) will be at liquid form which will be converted to gel at body pH and temperature (pH 7.4, 37°C) showing ease of administration and prolonged duration of action. Chitosan which was both mucoadhesive as well as pH simulative polymer was used in combination with pluronic F-127 which is a temperature simulated gelation polymer. Prilocaine hydrochloride was used as model drug to check the efficacy of the developed in-situ gel system. Different combination of Chitosan and pluronic F-127 were tested and final combination of 0.5% w/v and 10% w/v of Chitosan and pluronic F-127 respectively were selected and further evaluated for parameters like physicochemical properties, viscosity, gelation pH, gelation temperature, in-vitro release, sterility testing and stability testing. The system thus developed was found to be clear and have good viscosity with prolonged release at pH 7.4 and 37°C. The formulation can be easily packaged and sterilized with method employed. As per ICH guidelines gel was found to be stable and a shelf life of 2 years was assigned to the formulation.

• Molecular modeling

  Aarti Sharma, Himanshu Gupta

  Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences. 01/2009;

  The use of computational chemistry in the development of novel pharmaceuticals is becoming an increasingly important tool. In the past, drugs were simply screened for effectiveness. The recent advances in computing power and the exponential growth of the knowledge of protein structures have made it ... [more] The use of computational chemistry in the development of novel pharmaceuticals is becoming an increasingly important tool. In the past, drugs were simply screened for effectiveness. The recent advances in computing power and the exponential growth of the knowledge of protein structures have made it possible for organic compounds to be tailored to decrease the harmful side effects and increase the potency. This article provides a detailed description of the techniques employed in molecular modeling. Molecular modeling is a rapidly developing discipline, and has been supported by the dramatic improvements in computer hardware and software in recent years.