Highly stable, non-toxic and functionalized nanoemulsion for the early diagnosis and amelioration of cancer.

Aim: To overcome the limitations associated with conventional formulations for cancer treatment by the effective utilization of nanoemulsion with therapy and diagnosis through the single unit. Patent: US20210275687 describes the usage of functionalized various oil-in-water nanoemulsions as pharmacological vehicles with theranostic potential in cancer treatment. Materials & methods: Vitamin E, oleic acid, sphingomyelin, ligands for functionalization, contrast agents and therapeutic biomolecules. Results: The toxicity studies conducted on healthy mice did not show any apparent toxicity issues. The stability studies conducted at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity, which is mandatory for regulatory approval, indicated the adequate physical stability of the formulation. Conclusion: The studies exhibited the promising theranostic potential of the developed nanoemulsion for the effective management and diagnosis of cancer and metastatic diseases.

Potential of novel self-assembled functionalized carbon nanotubes for selective tumor targeting.

Conventional cancer therapies are associated with toxicity toward healthy cells, which need to be addressed by novel therapeutic approaches. US2021/0230592 patent application discloses a carbon nanotube-based approach for tumor targeting, wherein a self-assembling single-wall nanotube complex has been developed and functionalized to deliver a molecule to a cancerous cell. The radiolabeled nanotubes exhibited markedly reduced toxicity as they did not depict any 'over toxicity' up to radioactivity value of 1350 nCi. The single-wall carbon nanotube conjugates were covalently connected to several chelators, therapeutic or diagnostic radionuclides, and showed promising results in the effective cancer management. Besides, this invention with further modifications paves an ideal pathway to researchers in effective diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Sustained drug delivery strategies for treatment of common substance use disorders: Promises and challenges.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are a leading cause of death and other ill health effects in the United States and other countries in the world. Several approaches ranging from detoxification, behavioral therapy, and the use of antagonists or drugs with counter effects are currently being applied for its management. Amongst these, drug therapy is the mainstay for some drug abuse incidences, as is in place specifically for opioid abuse or alcohol dependence. The severity of the havocs observed with the SUDs has triggered constant interest in the discovery and development of novel medications as well as suitable or most appropriate methods for the delivery of these agents. The chronic need of such drugs in users warrants the need for their prolonged or sustained systemic availability. Further, the need to improve patient tolerance to medication, limit invasive drug use and overall treatment outcome are pertinent considerations for embracing sustained release designs for medications used in managing SUDs. This review aims to provide an overview on up-to-date advances made with regards to sustained delivery systems for the drugs for treatment of different types of SUDs such as opioid, alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, and cannabis use disorders. The clinical relevance, promises and the limitations of deployed sustained release approaches along with future opportunities are discussed.