Formulation and Evaluation of a Drug-in-Adhesive Patch for Transdermal Delivery of Colchicine

Delivery Strategies for Colchicine as a Critical Dose Drug: Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy

Colchicine (COL), a widely used natural drug, has potent anti-inflammatory effects; however, as a narrow therapeutic index drug, its clinical application is limited by its serious gastrointestinal adverse effects, and only oral formulations are currently marketed worldwide. Recent studies have shown that transdermal, injection, and oral drug delivery are the three main delivery strategies for COL. This article elaborates on the research progress of different delivery strategies in terms of toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, depicting that the transdermal drug delivery route can avoid the first-pass effect and the traumatic pain associated with the oral and injection routes, respectively. Therefore, such a dosage form holds a significant promise that requires the development of further research to investigate effective COL delivery formulations. In addition, the permeation-promoting technologies utilized for transdermal drug delivery systems are briefly discussed. This article is expected to provide scientific ideas and theoretical guidance for future research and the exploration of COL delivery strategies.

An Updated Review For Hyperuricemia and Gout Management; Special Focus on the Available Drug Delivery Systems and Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Hyperuricemia belongs to metabolic syndromes where increased uric acid levels are identified in the blood serum. Such a syndrome could be responsible for kidney stone formation, gout, hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases. It has been reported that cardiovascular risks have been linked with hyperuricemia. Gout is of the most frequent manifestations due to hyperuricemia; its management involves various pharmacological available options and dietary changes. Throughout the literature, various dosage forms are studied as alternative options to the present drug delivery systems.

OBJECTIVE

To update and summarize the current information for gout and hyperuricemia management.

METHODS

Authors have performed a thorough literature research from 2010-2023 using keywords such as hyperuricemia, gout, diagnosis, guidelines, drug delivery and clinical trials. The databases used were PubMed, ScienceDirect. According to our inclusion criteria, all studies which include the previous terms, as well as drugs or other molecules that can be applied for gout and/or hyperuricemia management, were added.

RESULTS

In this article, authors have summarized the pathogenesis, diagnosis and updated guidelines for gout and hyperuricemia management. Moreover, the authors have reviewed and discussed current drug delivery systems found in the literature, including drugs targeting the above disorders. Finally, the available clinical trials assessing the efficacy of newer drugs or combinations of the past ones, are being discussed.

CONCLUSION

The available drugs and dosage forms are limited, and therefore, scientific society should focus on the development of more efficient drug delivery systems for hyperuricemia and gout management.