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Search Results (195)

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35 pages, 2342 KB  
Article
Pharmaceutical Market Analysis of Topical Semi-Solid Dosage Forms for Skin Disorders in Kazakhstan
by Artyom Savelyev, Dmitriy Khrustalev, Irina Losseva, Azamat Yedrissov, Anastassiya Khrustaleva, Vladimir Kazantsev, Sofiya Shapovalenko, Marlen Kiikbayev, Polina Rusyaeva and Kristina Perepelitsyna
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(9), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19091357 - 27 Aug 2026
Abstract
Background: Topical semi-solid dosage forms are crucial for treating inflammatory skin disorders, wounds, burns, and superficial infections. Despite their widespread clinical use, comprehensive pharmaceutical market analyses of registered topical medicines remain limited in Central Asia. The aim of this study was to characterize [...] Read more.
Background: Topical semi-solid dosage forms are crucial for treating inflammatory skin disorders, wounds, burns, and superficial infections. Despite their widespread clinical use, comprehensive pharmaceutical market analyses of registered topical medicines remain limited in Central Asia. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmaceutical market of topical semi-solid dosage forms registered in the Republic of Kazakhstan, including their dosage-form distribution, pharmacotherapeutic composition, manufacturer structure, and structural diversity of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with particular attention to heterocyclic compounds. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was conducted using the State Register of Medicinal Products of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Registration records of topical semi-solid dosage forms were identified according to predefined inclusion criteria and classified by dosage form, pharmacotherapeutic category, manufacturer, country of origin, and API chemical structure. Descriptive statistical analysis, market concentration indices, and structural classification of heterocyclic compounds were applied. Therapeutic recommendations for dermatitis management from selected CIS countries were reviewed to provide a contextual interpretation of the observed market structure. Results: A total of 1046 registered topical semi-solid dosage forms met the inclusion criteria. Ointments (39.5%), gels (28.9%), and creams (25.4%) accounted for 93.8% of all registered products, indicating a highly concentrated dosage-form structure. Anti-inflammatory agents represented the largest pharmacotherapeutic group, whereas wound-healing and combination products accounted for smaller proportions of the market. Structural classification demonstrated broad representation of established heterocyclic chemical classes, while no registered medicinal products containing dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-thione (DHPM-thione) derivatives were identified in the registry. Comparison with regional clinical recommendations indicated differences between recommended therapeutic approaches and the distribution of registered pharmacotherapeutic categories. Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive descriptive assessment of the registered market of topical semi-solid dosage forms in Kazakhstan. The results establish a reference dataset describing the current pharmaceutical landscape, including dosage forms, therapeutic categories, manufacturers, and API chemical classes. The absence of registered DHPM-thione-containing medicinal products indicates that this chemical class is currently not represented in the national medicines registry. Together with previously published preclinical evidence, this observation supports consideration of DHPM-thione derivatives as a subject for future pharmaceutical research, although the present study does not permit conclusions regarding their clinical effectiveness, market demand, or future commercialization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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17 pages, 1928 KB  
Article
Drug-Associated Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome: Screening for Potential Pharmaceutical Triggers Using the WHO Pharmacovigilance Database
by João Pereira Soares, Andreas E. Kremer and Jérôme Bonzon
Life 2026, 16(8), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16081232 - 25 Jul 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 565
Abstract
Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare cholestatic liver disease often associated with drug-induced liver injury, yet systematic data on pharmaceutical triggers remain limited. Using WHO VigiBase, we applied Bayesian disproportionality analysis (IC0.25) to identify drug-event associations that may not [...] Read more.
Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare cholestatic liver disease often associated with drug-induced liver injury, yet systematic data on pharmaceutical triggers remain limited. Using WHO VigiBase, we applied Bayesian disproportionality analysis (IC0.25) to identify drug-event associations that may not be readily apparent in clinical trials or pre-marketing studies. Product labels approved by Swissmedic or the FDA, as well as LiverTox, were reviewed to determine whether VBDS was already acknowledged as an adverse event. Signal detection was deliberately restricted to reports naming a single suspect drug. Among these single-agent reports, 22 drugs demonstrated a positive IC0.25 signal, of which nevirapine, dapsone and azithromycin showed the strongest disproportionality signal. Only one of these agents (carbamazepine) explicitly labelled VBDS as an adverse event. These findings are based on spontaneous reporting data: disproportionality analysis is a hypothesis-generating signal-detection method that does not establish causality and requires further validation. This study expands the current understanding of drug-induced VBDS by reinforcing the associations with known drugs and generating pharmacovigilance signals for new potential VBDS triggers across several drug categories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Safety)
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33 pages, 2666 KB  
Article
Digital Pharmacoepidemiology of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Russia: A Retrospective Search Query Analysis (2018–2026)
by Stanislav Kotlyarov and Anna Kotlyarova
Pharmacoepidemiology 2026, 5(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharma5030025 - 23 Jul 2026
Viewed by 688
Abstract
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual agonists have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The rapid growth in public interest, off-label use, and the emergence of counterfeit drugs underscores the need for timely monitoring [...] Read more.
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) dual agonists have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. The rapid growth in public interest, off-label use, and the emergence of counterfeit drugs underscores the need for timely monitoring of information demand. Objective: The objective of this study is to quantitatively characterize the temporal dynamics, market concentration, seasonality, and semantic structure of Russian-language search queries regarding GLP-1RAs and GLP-1/GIP dual agonists and to assess their correlation with pharmaceutical demand. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of Yandex.Wordstat data from March 2018 to March 2026 (covering 97 months, 27 INNs and brand names). Time series analysis (trends, structural breaks, Seasonal-Trend decomposition based on Loess (STL decomposition)), calculation of the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), and semantic analysis of 4562 unique formulations (bigrams, trigrams, Term Frequency–Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF), thematic classification, morphological normalization) were performed. Validation was conducted using DSM Group pharmacy sales data. Results: A total of 46.05 million queries were analyzed. Interest in semaglutide increased 215-fold, with the structural break point identified in January 2021. The HHI decreased from 0.311 (indicating a highly concentrated market) to 0.141 (indicating a competitive market). The share of diabetes-related queries did not exceed 0.46%, while the share of weight-loss-related queries reached 13.91%, and the share of commercial-component queries reached 41.1%. Four semantic signatures were identified: brand-dominant (Ozempic), instruction-targeted (Saxenda), dose-commercial (Tirzetta), and instruction-commercial (Trulicity). No statistically significant seasonality was confirmed after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The correlation between search interest and pharmacy sales was the strongest for Tirzetta (r = 0.976; n = 8; p < 0.001) and remained significant after trend removal (first differences: r = 0.819; p = 0.024). Conclusions: Yandex.Wordstat data provide a valuable supplementary source for digital pharmacoepidemiology. A systematic discrepancy was found between registered indications and actual information demand, a finding that has significant implications for pharmacovigilance and healthcare planning. Full article
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15 pages, 1507 KB  
Article
Conservation-Oriented Evaluation of Opium Poppy Production Potential in the Republic of North Macedonia Using SWOT and TOWS Approaches
by Zoran Dimov, Ivana Varga, Ljupco Mihajlov and Igor Iljovski
Conservation 2026, 6(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation6030086 - 21 Jul 2026
Viewed by 412
Abstract
Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) has a long tradition in North Macedonia and is internationally recognized for its high quality. Despite this, cultivated areas have steadily declined, reaching only 35 hectares in 2022, with capsule yields of 300 kg ha−1 and [...] Read more.
Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) has a long tradition in North Macedonia and is internationally recognized for its high quality. Despite this, cultivated areas have steadily declined, reaching only 35 hectares in 2022, with capsule yields of 300 kg ha−1 and seed yields of 583 kg ha−1. The SWOT analysis shows that opium poppy production has several important strengths. The country has favorable agroclimatic conditions, domestic varieties, experienced farmers, and support from government subsidies. The presence of a pharmaceutical buyer is also an important advantage, because it gives this production a clearer market direction. However, there are still many limits that slow down further development. Production is mostly based on small farms, while yields and prices are often low. Many farmers also use outdated machinery, which makes production less efficient. Another problem is the limited interest of buyers and the lack of a secure market for poppy seed. In addition, legal restrictions make the export of capsules more difficult. There are also several opportunities for future growth. The TOWS matrix suggests that the sector could become more competitive through value-added products, stronger cooperation between farmers, modernization of machinery, public information campaigns, and public–private investment. Although opium poppy production faces many challenges, it still has good potential to develop from a declining traditional activity into a sustainable and competitive niche sector, but this requires coordinated institutional support, modernization, market diversification, and the development of value-added products. With better policies and a clearer market strategy, it could develop into a more sustainable and competitive agricultural sector. Full article
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31 pages, 5687 KB  
Review
Deep Eutectic Solvents: A Comprehensive Landscape of Two Decades of Research, Emerging Frontiers, and Translational Challenges (2003–2025)
by Santiago Aparicio
Sustain. Chem. 2026, 7(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem7030037 - 20 Jul 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 889
Abstract
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a laboratory curiosity into one of the most actively investigated solvent platforms in green chemistry. Yet, despite this rapid expansion, and although the field is well served [...] Read more.
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a laboratory curiosity into one of the most actively investigated solvent platforms in green chemistry. Yet, despite this rapid expansion, and although the field is well served by numerous topical reviews, it still lacks a corpus-wide, cross-disciplinary synthesis capable of guiding strategic research priorities, identifying critical knowledge gaps, and informing policy and industrial investment decisions. The present work addresses this need through a thorough analysis of global DES research from 2003 to 2025, based on a deduplicated corpus of 17,757 publications retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus following PRISMA-adapted screening guidelines. The analysis maps temporal publication dynamics, geographic and institutional contributions, thematic evolution, journal landscape, component usage patterns, international collaboration networks, market projections, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The results document an exponential growth trajectory—from a single publication in 2004 to 3954 in 2025 (CAGR > 30%)—and reveal a clear thematic transition from early electrochemistry-dominated research toward extraction, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications, with machine-learning-assisted design and hydrophobic DES formulations emerging as the most dynamic current frontiers. China leads global output with 6819 publications (38.4%), while the United States and Malaysia achieve the highest citation-per-publication ratios among the leading nations (≈46.7 and ≈38.9, respectively, versus ≈27.6 for China), and Spain pairs a comparatively modest output with a high h-index, indicating that impact is large relative to volume. Type III DESs and NADESs collectively account for approximately 69% of the literature, with choline chloride present in 72% of reported formulations. The global DES market, valued at approximately USD 166 million in 2024, is projected to reach USD 370 million by 2030. Despite this progress, critical translational barriers persist: fewer than 0.3% of publications include techno-economic or life cycle assessment analysis, standardized characterization protocols remain absent, and toxicological datasets are systematically incomplete. This panoramic analysis is intended to serve as an evidence-based reference for researchers prioritizing future directions, for funding agencies assessing the maturity and needs of the field, and for industrial stakeholders evaluating the readiness of DES technologies for scale-up. Full article
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16 pages, 3970 KB  
Article
From Rejection to Reimbursement: Innovative Strategies for Access to Anti-Obesity Pharmacotherapy in Mexico
by Alberto Retana-Guzman, Eunice Carpio-Macedo, Juan Carlos Garnica-Cuellar, Horacio Marquez-González and Jessie Nallely Zurita-Cruz
Obesities 2026, 6(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/obesities6040054 - 17 Jul 2026
Viewed by 429
Abstract
Background: Access to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy within publicly funded healthcare systems remains limited because of concerns regarding affordability, budget impact, and appropriate patient selection. This study describes the methodological and strategic process that enabled the incorporation and public reimbursement of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy for obesity [...] Read more.
Background: Access to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy within publicly funded healthcare systems remains limited because of concerns regarding affordability, budget impact, and appropriate patient selection. This study describes the methodological and strategic process that enabled the incorporation and public reimbursement of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy for obesity management within the Mexican public healthcare system. Methods: A descriptive health policy and market-access analysis was conducted. The reimbursement strategy included five sequential phases: identification of reimbursement barriers, definition of a clinically prioritized target population through expert consensus, generation of local epidemiological evidence, development of pharmacoeconomic and budget impact analyses, and implementation of managed-access and risk-sharing mechanisms. Results: Initial reimbursement attempts were unsuccessful because of concerns regarding the large size of the potentially eligible population and projected budget impact. Sequential application of epidemiological, clinical, and healthcare utilization criteria reduced the potential candidate population from 32,392,801 adults with obesity to 20,412 eligible patients receiving care within public healthcare institutions. Pharmacoeconomic analyses demonstrated favorable cost-effectiveness, while budget impact analyses estimated an average annual investment of MXN $286 million, representing less than 1% of the national pharmaceutical budget over five years. These findings supported the development and regulatory approval of a managed-access strategy that subsequently enabled the incorporation of anti-obesity pharmacotherapy into the National Compendium of Health Supplies in December 2023. Conclusions: Combining local epidemiological evidence, population prioritization, pharmacoeconomic evaluation, and innovative reimbursement mechanisms enabled public access to anti-obesity pharmacotherapy in Mexico. This framework may serve as a model for improving access to obesity therapies in middle-income countries. Full article
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26 pages, 509 KB  
Article
Elemental Impurities in Lithium Carbonate Formulations: Inorganic Fingerprinting and Regulatory Compliance in the Brazilian Market
by Andréia de Cássia Rodrigues Soares Alarcon, Giovana Kátia Viana Nucci, Elaine Silva de Pádua Melo, Marta Aratuza Pereira Ancel, Regiane Santana da Conceição Ferreira Cabanha, Rita de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães, Karine de Cássia Freitas and Valter Aragao do Nascimento
Sci 2026, 8(6), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci8060136 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Lithium carbonate is a cornerstone therapy for bipolar disorder, typically administered long-term, which necessitates strict control of elemental impurities beyond the quantification of the active ingredient. While previous studies focused on lithium concentration and dosing accuracy, this study characterized the unique inorganic signatures [...] Read more.
Lithium carbonate is a cornerstone therapy for bipolar disorder, typically administered long-term, which necessitates strict control of elemental impurities beyond the quantification of the active ingredient. While previous studies focused on lithium concentration and dosing accuracy, this study characterized the unique inorganic signatures and evaluated the toxicological implications of reference, similar, and generic lithium carbonate formulations marketed in Brazil. Seven commercial brands were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Elemental concentrations (mg/kg) ranged as follows: As (0.50–0.62), Pb (0.39–0.57), Se (0.80–1.01), Cr (detected in one similar formulation at 0.18), Fe (<LOD–0.86), Mg (8.10–14.65), K (1.18–4.2), Mn (0.072–0.40), and P (24.3–74.4), while Cd, Cu, and Zn were below detection limits. Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) demonstrated significant inter-manufacturer differences, indicating that pharmaceutical equivalence does not imply inorganic identity. Despite this variability, all formulations complied with ICH Q3D (R2), USP <232>, and Brazilian Pharmacopoeia limits. Under maintenance doses of 600–1200 mg/day, daily exposure remained well below Permitted Daily Exposure thresholds; the cumulative Hazard Index was <0.02, and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (5.46 to 6.80 × 10−6) was within safe levels. These findings confirm that while distinct elemental signatures exist, the medications are toxicologically safe for chronic therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry Science)
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16 pages, 2109 KB  
Article
Organizational Readiness, Perceived Usefulness, and Determinants of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Romanian Medical Management and Pharmaceutical Marketing
by Veronica Madalina Boruga, Melania Lavinia Bratu, George Puenea, Daniel Popa, Cristina Annemari Popa, Iulia Georgiana Bogdan and Cristina Elena Savencu
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121714 - 15 Jun 2026
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare management and pharmaceutical marketing workflows, yet determinants of AI adoption intention among non-clinical professionals remain under-studied in Central and Eastern Europe. This cross-sectional study quantified AI adoption intention (AAI) across three [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare management and pharmaceutical marketing workflows, yet determinants of AI adoption intention among non-clinical professionals remain under-studied in Central and Eastern Europe. This cross-sectional study quantified AI adoption intention (AAI) across three professional groups and examined its organizational, cognitive, attitudinal, and regulatory correlates. Methods: We surveyed 127 Romanian professionals (43 hospital administrators, 42 pharmaceutical marketing professionals, 42 community pharmacy managers) using a 46-item structured instrument. The instrument combined items adapted from UTAUT/TAM and organizational-readiness measures with study-specific AI-marketing, AI-literacy, and regulatory-literacy items; Analyses included ANOVA with Tukey HSD, Spearman correlations, age-adjusted OLS regression with HC3 robust standard errors, bootstrap indirect-effect analysis, moderation, exploratory k-means clustering, and exploratory logistic/ROC analysis. Results: AAI differed across groups: pharmaceutical marketing 4.33 ± 0.50, hospital administrators 3.39 ± 0.47, and pharmacy managers 2.88 ± 0.54; all pairwise Tukey contrasts p < 0.001. In the multivariable model (R2 = 0.833)—interpreted cautiously because conceptually related adoption constructs may overlap despite acceptable collinearity diagnostics—perceived usefulness, organizational readiness, and perceived ease of use were the strongest associated factors, while data governance concern was the main negative correlate. Perceived usefulness statistically accounted for 61.7% of the AI literacy–AAI indirect association, and regulatory literacy moderated the AI literacy–AAI association. An exploratory age-adjusted logistic model showed high within-sample discrimination for top-tertile AAI but should be interpreted as convergent validity among survey constructs rather than as a validated screening tool. Conclusions: AI adoption intention in Romanian medical management and pharmaceutical marketing is associated mainly with perceived usefulness and organizational readiness, tempered by data governance concern and regulatory knowledge. Longitudinal, multi-site, real-world implementation studies with external validation are needed. Full article
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21 pages, 15430 KB  
Review
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in Medical Cannabis: Manufacturer Profiling, Standardization Challenges, and Technological Compatibility
by Liliia Vyshnevska, Maryana Yaromiy, Iryna Pestun, Kaloyan D. Georgiev, Iliya Zhelev Slavov and Oleh Koshovyi
Sci. Pharm. 2026, 94(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm94020041 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 1130
Abstract
The pharmaceutical development of cannabis-based medicinal products is challenged by significant variability in the quality, composition, and standardization of plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In Ukraine, despite recent legislative liberalization, a substantial shortage of standardized raw materials continues to limit the development of [...] Read more.
The pharmaceutical development of cannabis-based medicinal products is challenged by significant variability in the quality, composition, and standardization of plant-derived active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In Ukraine, despite recent legislative liberalization, a substantial shortage of standardized raw materials continues to limit the development of innovative dosage forms. This study analyses international practices among API manufacturers to identify technological parameters necessary to overcome domestic market barriers and support the implementation of advanced drug delivery systems. Content analysis was conducted on regulatory documentation, professional literature, and manufacturers’ technical specifications. Candidate evaluation followed predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study assessed compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, extraction and purification technologies, the extent of analytical characterization, and batch-to-batch reproducibility. Purposive sampling enabled a comparative analysis of various technological approaches. Marked heterogeneity was observed in API standardization and analytical control indicators among manufacturers. Possession of a GMP certificate was found necessary but may be insufficient to ensure the pharmaceutical equivalence of materials. Differences in extraction methods and purification levels may affect stability profiles, pharmaceutical development strategies, and risk management related to final product quality. The findings demonstrate that manufacturer selection is a critical decision point in pharmaceutical development, with substantiated supplier choice directly influencing dosage form development and regulatory compliance. Full article
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19 pages, 3996 KB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of the Ginsenosides in Panax vietnamensis and Three Panax Species
by Jiaxian Su, Kuntao Xu, Qimin Chen, Zhaosen Jia, You Deng, Mengjiao Zhu, Chongnan Wang, Lixia Zhang, Xiaojun Ma and Zuliang Luo
Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101570 - 8 May 2026
Viewed by 942
Abstract
Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. (Vietnamese ginseng) is a plant of the Panax genus, Araliaceae family. It is a rare medicinal plant found in China and Vietnam, known for its structurally diverse ginsenosides, and holds significant value in the pharmaceutical and health food [...] Read more.
Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv. (Vietnamese ginseng) is a plant of the Panax genus, Araliaceae family. It is a rare medicinal plant found in China and Vietnam, known for its structurally diverse ginsenosides, and holds significant value in the pharmaceutical and health food sectors. As market demand and its value continue to rise, the P. vietnamensis industry has developed rapidly. However, since Vietnamese ginseng is difficult to distinguish from other Panax materials based on appearance, especially Panax notoginseng, there is a lack of relevant standards for quality control. In this study, UPLC-Q/TOF-MS technology was employed for the qualitative identification and comparative analysis of ginsenosides in different parts of P. vietnamensis and three other Panax species. Additionally, an UFLC-MS/MS method was established to determine the content of 21 ginsenosides in P. vietnamensis. Based on the UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis, 55 ginsenosides were preliminarily identified, including 30 protopanaxadiol-type, 21 protopanaxatriol-type, 3 ocotillol-type, and 1 oleanane-type ginsenosides. Further comparative analysis revealed variations in the ginsenosides of P. vietnamensis and three Panax species, identifying 41 components present in all species, while 14 saponins were detected only in some species. Compared to three Panax species, the main roots of P. vietnamensis contained characteristic components such as majonoside R2, majonoside R1, and vinaginsenoside R2. Quantitative analysis of 21 ginsenosides in different Panax species indicated that P. vietnamensis and P. notoginseng contained higher levels of ginsenoside Rg1, Rd, Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1. For instance, the average content of ginsenoside Rg1 in P. vietnamensis was 25.57 mg/g. Quantitative analysis of ginsenosides in different parts of P. vietnamensis revealed that the taproots and fibrous roots had a diverse array of ginsenosides with higher concentrations, while the stems and leaves contained fewer ginsenosides with lower levels. Significantly, certain components such as notoginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rd, Re, and Rb2 were present at higher concentrations in the leaves. Based on the qualitative and quantitative analysis results of ginsenosides from different parts of P. vietnamensis, it was concluded that the main roots, fibrous roots, and leaves all have potential for development and utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Food Analytical Methods)
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13 pages, 540 KB  
Article
Dietary Supplements Use Among Individuals over 60 Years of Age in Poland
by Sonia Woch, Łukasz Wierucki, Krzysztof Flis, Małgorzata Sznitowska, Emilia Błeszyńska-Marunowska, Tomasz Zdrojewski and Piotr Bandosz
Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1099; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071099 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1309
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dietary supplements (DSs) are widely available on the pharmaceutical market. Their consumption frequency has been observed to increase over the years, especially with age. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Poland and Central-Eastern Europe to analyze [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dietary supplements (DSs) are widely available on the pharmaceutical market. Their consumption frequency has been observed to increase over the years, especially with age. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Poland and Central-Eastern Europe to analyze the use of dietary supplements (DSs) based on a nationally representative, random sample of the elderly population. Methods: We examined 5987 individuals aged 60 years and older to assess the prevalence and types of DSs they use, with particular attention to socio-economic factors associated with their consumption. It also aimed to determine whose recommendations were followed when choosing supplements. Results: The percentage of individuals taking any DSs was 32.1% (95% CI: 29.8–34.4), with a higher proportion among women (38.7% (95% CI: 35.7–41.7)) compared to men (22.8% (95% CI: 20.6–25.1)). A multivariable analysis showed that DSs were more likely to be used by individuals with higher education (Prevalence Ratio (PR) 1.74 (95% CI: 1.47–2.06) for individuals with higher education vs. those with primary education). A link between age and DSs consumption was also observed, with the highest consumption rates found among those in their 80s (PR 1.46 (95% CI: 1.30–1.63) vs. the 60–69 age group). The most commonly used ingredients were vitamins, taken by 76.2% (95% CI: 73.6–78.9) of respondents, minerals (55.9% (95% CI: 52.8–59)), and plant-based preparations (45.0% (95% CI: 42–48)). Although DSs were most often used based on a doctor’s recommendation (58.5% (95% CI: 54.5–62.6)), over a third of patients initiated their use independently. Conclusions: This significant proportion of individuals taking dietary supplements in Poland, often without consultation with healthcare professionals, suggests that these products may be used in the absence of objective indications, which may be associated with adverse effects and potential drug–supplement interactions. This represents an important implication for clinicians, who should always extend the medical history to include information on DSs use. The findings also highlight the need to strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of these products and to optimally protect the health of older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Nutrition)
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14 pages, 274 KB  
Opinion
Magistral Galenic Preparations in Modern Dermatology: Our Top 10 Picks for Bridging Therapeutic Gaps
by Edoardo Cammarata, Elia Esposto, Laura Cristina Gironi, Elisa Zavattaro and Paola Savoia
Medicina 2026, 62(3), 559; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62030559 - 17 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1486
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Topical treatment efficacy is fundamentally dependent on effective delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and its compatibility with the compromised skin barrier. Many commercially available industrial formulations contain poorly tolerated excipients or lack essential therapeutic combinations, frequently leading to complex polypharmacy and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Topical treatment efficacy is fundamentally dependent on effective delivery of the active pharmaceutical ingredient and its compatibility with the compromised skin barrier. Many commercially available industrial formulations contain poorly tolerated excipients or lack essential therapeutic combinations, frequently leading to complex polypharmacy and reduced patient adherence. In contrast, magistral galenic preparations offer a degree of therapeutic personalization unmatched by standardized products, positioning the compounding laboratory as a strategic resource in dermatological care. This analysis aims to identify and evaluate ten indispensable magistral formulations selected based on their high clinical frequency and the absence of equivalent, globally available commercial alternatives. Materials and Methods: Each formulation was according to four strategic pillars: (i) dosage customization, (ii) excipient modification (removing allergens like parabens or fragrances), (iii) synergistic ingredient association, and (iv) vehicle optimization. The dermatological conditions addressed include pediatric scabies, melasma, hidradenitis suppurativa, and autoimmune mucosal diseases. Key selections include Kligman’s formula for hyperpigmentation and personalized trichological preparations. Results: The identified “top 10” magistral formulation reveals significant gaps within the standardized pharmaceutical market. In pediatric scabies (specifically patients < 15 kg), benzyl benzoate and precipitated sulfur demonstrate superior efficacy over permethrin, addressing emerging resistance patterns. For acute inflammatory dermatoses, Hoffmann Paste and Lime Liniment provide effective protective barriers while neutralizing local acidity. Antiseptic and astringent solutions, including Burow’s and Silver Nitrate (AgNO3) offer targeted mechanisms and biocidal activity, often absent in standardized topicals. Furthermore, specialized adhesive oral pastes for autoimmune conditions minimizing systemic absorption and associated risks. Conclusions: Magistral compounding represents a cornerstone of precision medicine in dermatology enabling tailored therapies that bridge critical gaps left by standardized formulations, particularly in complex cases and vulnerable populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)
29 pages, 596 KB  
Review
Regulation of Food Supplements and Pharmacists’ Responsibility in Professional Practice: A Review
by Cristina Ioana Niculaș, Sonia Bianca Blaj, Marius Călin Cherecheș, Raul Miron, Daniela Cristina Valea and Daniela Lucia Muntean
Pharmacy 2026, 14(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy14010025 - 3 Feb 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2954
Abstract
(1) Background: Regulations governing food supplements vary considerably across countries, allowing products that are prohibited in one jurisdiction to be legally sold in another. Furthermore, online sales enable and facilitate this practice. Regarding pharmaceutical malpractice, the absence of a standardized European framework complicates [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Regulations governing food supplements vary considerably across countries, allowing products that are prohibited in one jurisdiction to be legally sold in another. Furthermore, online sales enable and facilitate this practice. Regarding pharmaceutical malpractice, the absence of a standardized European framework complicates the evaluation of pharmacist liability. As a result, the specific elements of the liability framework are defined by the national legislation of each Member State. The aim of our review is to map the global regulatory landscape of food supplements and to examine the pharmacist’s professional responsibilities, including instances of malpractice related to this area. (2) Methods: A literature review covering publications from January 2020 to December 2024 was performed using four databases: Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The search retrieved 8243 records, of which 77 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The extracted data were organized into five main themes: pharmacist responsibility and malpractice, food supplement regulation, consumer safety, health claims, and pharmacist knowledge. (3) Results: The literature reviewed indicated a relatively low number of malpractice cases within the pharmacy profession compared to other professions. A higher incidence of cases is observed among male pharmacists and those practicing in the private sector. Notably, no cases have been identified addressing pharmacists’ responsibilities in the dispensing of food supplements. In the context of food supplement regulation, the reviewed literature highlights a lack of standardized terminology and harmonized legislation across different jurisdictions. Therefore, products may be classified differently across jurisdictions. Another observed barrier is the considerable variation in market access requirements across countries. Regarding consumer safety, several irregularities have been observed. Substantial non-compliance in both product composition and labeling has been observed, reflecting insufficient quality control measures. Concerning health claims, significant regulatory non-compliance with European Union regulations has been documented. In addition, widespread misleading advertising practices have been observed. With respect to pharmacists’ knowledge, the reviewed literature identifies several professional challenges within pharmacy practice, particularly those concerning the dispensing of food supplements. (4) Conclusions: This research offers a comprehensive analysis of the literature published over the past five years concerning pharmaceutical malpractice cases, as well as an examination of food supplement regulation and the professional responsibilities of pharmacists. A recurring barrier identified is the absence of unified regulatory frameworks worldwide. This results in uncertainty concerning the pharmacist’s professional role and responsibilities. Full article
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16 pages, 1148 KB  
Review
Dietary Use of Hericium coralloides for NAFLD Prevention
by Darya Chekushkina, Oksana Kozlova, Elena Vechtomova and Alexander Prosekov
Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030418 - 27 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1330
Abstract
Introduction: Today, scientists are searching for alternative approaches to preventing metabolic diseases, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which reduces the healthy life expectancy of the working population. Fungi, such as Hericium coralloides (Scop.) Pers., are promising raw materials for extracting bioactive substances [...] Read more.
Introduction: Today, scientists are searching for alternative approaches to preventing metabolic diseases, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which reduces the healthy life expectancy of the working population. Fungi, such as Hericium coralloides (Scop.) Pers., are promising raw materials for extracting bioactive substances with preventative potential. Materials and Methods: This review covered review and research articles published over the last 42 years and indexed in the databases of the eLIBRARY.RU, the National Center for Biotechnology Information, and Scopus. Results and Discussion: It has been established that H. coralloides is valued for its nutritional properties due to its rich protein, fat, and mineral composition. It is in demand for pharmaceutical purposes due to its content of bioactive metabolites. The most studied metabolites are lovastatin and ergothioneine. The activity of these biologically active substances against NAFLD has been confirmed by studies in vitro and in vivo. Market analysis revealed that most dietary supplements contain fungal mycelium or its extract. It is preferable to use pure metabolites of H. coralloides as nutrients in dietary supplements and functional foods, since it allows the scientists to standardize their doses, target the therapeutic effect (immunity, neuroprotection, or antitumor), and reduce the required intake of the product. Since this fungus is a rare species in nature, its biomass should be grown in vitro for industrial use. Conclusions: Further research will focus on developing methods for extracting H. coralloides metabolites and assessing their biopotential in vivo and clinical studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutritional Epidemiology)
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16 pages, 1942 KB  
Review
The Pharmaceutical Industry in 2025: An Analysis of FDA Drug Approvals from the Perspective of Molecules
by Beatriz G. de la Torre and Fernando Albericio
Molecules 2026, 31(3), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030419 - 26 Jan 2026
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3981
Abstract
In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 44 new drugs, reflecting a slight decrease compared to previous years but maintaining the overall trends in pharmaceutical innovation. Biologics accounted for 25% of approvals, including nine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), two antibody–drug conjugates [...] Read more.
In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 44 new drugs, reflecting a slight decrease compared to previous years but maintaining the overall trends in pharmaceutical innovation. Biologics accounted for 25% of approvals, including nine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), two antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and one fusion protein, with cancer remaining the primary therapeutic focus. TIDES, comprising three oligonucleotides and one peptide, continued to consolidate their presence in the market, with the three oligonucleotides featuring N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) for liver-targeted delivery. Small molecules dominate the remainder, with a high prevalence of N-aromatic moieties and fluorine atoms present in most of the molecules. Peptide manufacturing and sustainability concerns, including PFAS usage, remain key challenges. Despite these advances, the high cost of innovative therapies limits access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This report provides a structural and chemical analysis of the newly approved drugs, highlighting trends in molecular design, therapeutic areas, and technological innovations shaping modern drug discovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)
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