Therapeutic and cosmetic applications of mangiferin: an updated patent review (patents published after 2013).

INTRODUCTION: Mangiferin and its derivatives possess diverse biological activities and desirable drug like properties. In continuation with the authors' previous publication, the present study reviews recently published patents in correlation with efforts of drug development using mangiferin. AREAS COVERED: Patents published after the year 2013 were analyzed for therapeutic and cosmetic applications of mangiferin, its salts, derivatives, and preparations. Patent information pertaining to improving solubility and bioavailability of mangiferin and related bioactives has also been presented. Methods of extraction of mangiferin and poly herbal preparations have not been included. Biological testing data has been put forth to understand the clinical trial status of products comprising mangiferin and/or its derivatives. EXPERT OPINION: Mangiferin has been highlighted as a multitarget bioactive with therapeutic potential. Research efforts in the recent years have contributed to development of new mangiferin derivatives as well as mangiferin formulations with enhanced solubility and bioavailability. Improvements in drug delivery systems for mangiferin might contribute to designing clinical trials to validate its therapeutic potential in humans. Majority of the recent patents have been filed by Chinese inventors claiming second medical use of mangiferin or its related compounds. However, a number of these patents remain in the prosecution stage.

Antibacterial drug shortages from 2001 to 2013: implications for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have described drug shortages; however, there has been no comprehensive evaluation focusing on US antibacterial shortages. METHODS: Drug shortage data from the University of Utah Drug Information Service database were analyzed, with a focus on antibacterial agents from 2001 to 2013. We used descriptive statistics to describe trends in drug shortages, analyze drug classes commonly affected, and investigate whether drugs experienced multiple periods of shortages. RESULTS: One hundred forty-eight antibacterial drugs were on shortage over the 13-year study period, with 26 drugs still active on shortage as of December 2013. The median number of new shortages per year was 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 7). The number of drugs on shortage increased at a rate of 0.35 additional drugs every month (95% confidence interval, .22-.49) from July 2007 to December 2013 (P < .001). The median shortage duration was 188 days (IQR, 366.5). Twenty-two percent of drugs experienced multiple shortage periods. CONCLUSIONS: There were a substantial number of drug shortages from 2001 to 2013, with a dramatic rise in shortages since 2007. Shortages of agents used to treat multidrug-resistant infections are of concern due to continued transmission and limited treatment options.