Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of YYD601, a Dual Delayed-Release Formulation of Esomeprazole, Following Single and Multiple Doses in Healthy Adult Volunteers Under Fasting and Fed Conditions

Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 nickase-mediated genome editing in an in vitro model of mucopolysaccharidosis IVA

Mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by mutations in gene encoding for GALNS enzyme. Lack of GALNS activity leads to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) keratan sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate. Although enzyme replacement therapy has been approved since 2014 for MPS IVA, still there is an unmet medical need to have improved therapies for this disorder. CRISPR/Cas9-based gene therapy has been tested for several LSDs with encouraging findings, but to date it has not been assayed on MPS IVA. In this work, we validated for the first time the use of CRISPR/Cas9, using a Cas9 nickase, for the knock-in of an expression cassette containing GALNS cDNA in an in vitro model of MPS IVA. The results showed the successful homologous recombination of the expression cassette into the AAVS1 locus, as well as a long-term increase in GALNS activity reaching up to 40% of wild-type levels. We also observed normalization of lysosomal mass, total GAGs, and oxidative stress, which are some of the major findings regarding the pathophysiological events in MPS IVA. These results represent a proof-of-concept of the use of CRISPR/Cas9 nickase strategy for the development of a novel therapeutic alternative for MPS IVA.

Commercially Available Enteric Empty Hard Capsules, Production Technology and Application

Currently, there is a growing need to prepare small batches of enteric capsules for individual therapy or clinical evaluation since many acidic-sensitive substances should be protected from the stomach's acidic environment, including probiotics or fecal material, in the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) process. A suitable method seems to be the encapsulation of drugs or lyophilized alternatively frozen biological suspensions in commercial hard enteric capsules prepared by so-called Enteric Capsule Drug Delivery Technology (ECDDT). Manufacturers supply these types of capsules, made from pH-soluble polymers, in products such as AR Caps®, EnTRinsicTM, and Vcaps® Enteric, or capsules made of gelling polymers that release their content as the gel erodes over time when passing through the digestive tract. These include DRcaps®, EMBO CAPS® AP, BioVXR®, or ACGcaps™ HD. Although not all capsules in all formulations meet pharmaceutical requirements for delayed-release dosage forms in disintegration and dissolution tests, they usually find practical application. This literature review presents their composition and properties. Since ECDDT is a new technology, this article is based on a limited number of references.