{"title":"Precision medicine and immunotherapeutic approaches for relapsed/refractory paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia","authors":"Caroline C. Smith , Sarah K. Tasian","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Despite improved clinical outcomes amongst children and adolescents/young adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treated with modern risk-adapted frontline therapies, approximately one third of patients will relapse. Significant advances in comprehensive cytomolecular genetic diagnostics and correlation with survival outcomes via clinical trial data have identified paediatric patients with AML at highest risk of primary chemoresistance and/or subsequent relapse for whom new treatment approaches are needed. This brief North American-based perspective highlights promising small molecule inhibitors and antibody-based and cellular immunotherapies with demonstrated or emerging activity in specific high-risk subtypes of paediatric AML and outlines potential treatment strategies for children and adolescents/young adults with relapsed AML.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102546"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144572759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shivraj Sangappa Shivpuje , Durgacharan A. Bhagwat , Pankaj Ashok Jadhav , Kimaya P. Joshi , Suraj N. Mali
{"title":"Transdermal delivery of antibacterial peptides in the management of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus","authors":"Shivraj Sangappa Shivpuje , Durgacharan A. Bhagwat , Pankaj Ashok Jadhav , Kimaya P. Joshi , Suraj N. Mali","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of major public concern around the globe that arises when bacteria which earlier responded to the antibiotic therapy no longer respond to the same therapy and become resistant. The AMR has emerged due to the antibiotic abuse resulting in the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria including methicillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA). The conventional antibiotics including vancomycin have nowadays become ineffective due to the gradual evolution and adaptation of bacteria to the surrounding environment. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of MRSA-induced skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). They offer broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with lower probability of drug resistance development. However, these AMPs face limitations such as proteolytic degradation, poor bioavailability, and potential cytotoxicity limiting their efficacy in clinical settings. Transdermal drug delivery platforms, including microneedles (MNs) coupled with the nano-formulations, have been developed to improve the AMP stability, bioavailability, and targeted release to avoid off-target cytotoxicity. Innovative strategies including Janus-type antibacterial dressings, bioresponsive MNs, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanocarriers have shown favorable results against the MRSA-induced skin infection. Numerous naturally occurring and synthetic antibacterial biopeptides and a Food and Drug Administration–approved glycopeptide, vancomycin, exhibited improved biofilm penetration and therapeutic efficacy when combined with smart MNs and nanosystems. Despite these improvements, challenges associated with AMP stability, cytotoxicity, and manufacturing costs still remain that limit its clinical translation. This review discussed the various MN-assisted deliveries of AMPs and associated challenges for the treatment of MRSA infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102548"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sanjeevani R. Desai , Durgacharan A. Bhagwat , Anil Kumar Singh , Rupali Baban Kumbhar , Jiyauddin Khan
{"title":"Bioadhesive polymers in transdermal formulations for skin disorders","authors":"Sanjeevani R. Desai , Durgacharan A. Bhagwat , Anil Kumar Singh , Rupali Baban Kumbhar , Jiyauddin Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) offer numerous advantages over conventional routes, including improved patient compliance and sustained drug release. Bioadhesive polymers play a crucial role in TDD, enhancing drug retention and controlled release. This review explores the applications of bioadhesive polymers in transdermal formulations for skin disorders, focusing on their adhesion mechanisms, structural modifications, and therapeutic potential. Natural bioadhesives like alginate and chitosan demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, while synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) offer controlled drug release and mechanical stability. Despite their advantages, challenges such as adhesion failure, moisture sensitivity, and limited macromolecular drug delivery persist. Recent innovations, including self-healing hydrogels, nanofiber-based transdermal systems, and enzymatic drug carriers, present new opportunities for dermatological applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102544"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advances in 3D-printed transdermal microneedle patches for antifungal therapy: Current scenario and challenges","authors":"Sarang Sunil Mahamuni , Madhuri Mahesh Desai , Koustubh Mansing Thorawades , Durgacharan A. Bhagwat","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102545","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102545","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Skin fungal infection and systemic fungal infections are highly prevalent, causing significant healthcare burden. Addressing the pervasive and sometimes life-threatening nature of fungal infections has spurred extensive research into novel therapeutic strategies, particularly focusing on effective drug formulations and innovative delivery routes. Among this transdermal drug delivery (TDD) using microneedles (MNs) is a promising approach. 3D-printed MN patches are composed of arrays of tiny, needle-like structures engineered to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agents by breaching the stratum corneum. Using the precision of 3D printing and improved drug delivery of MNs, 3D-printed transdermal MNs present a promising approach to manage fungal infections. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent literature on the use of 3D-printed MNs for antifungal therapy, emphasizing advancements in fabrication methods, drug incorporation techniques, and preclinical assessment outcomes. Furthermore, the study informs on various novel innovations employing antifungal agent administered through transdermal patches, demonstrating their efficacy and superiority over traditional methods. The majority of the studies are <em>in vitro</em> experimental studies, highlighting the need for human trials to translate 3D-printed MN-based TDD into clinical practice. The findings highlight the promise of 3D-printed microneedle patches in transforming transdermal antifungal therapy; however, extensive clinical validation remains crucial for regulatory endorsement and practical implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102545"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Challenges in formulating transdermal systems for treating chronic skin infections","authors":"Akshay Ramchandra Yadav , Shital Aniket Shinde , Shubhangi B. Sutar , Snehal Aditya Arvindekar , Dwi Marlina Syukri","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102540","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102540","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic skin infections, such as those caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi compromise the skin's physical barrier, allowing microbial incursion, biofilm formation, and weakened immune response. This microbial assault disrupts skin hydration, and pH and induces inflammation, making it difficult for drug formulations to penetrate and manage the infection effectively. Traditional therapeutic strategies face hurdles like poor drug retention, systemic side effects, and antimicrobial resistance. Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), on the other hand, offer localized and regulated drug release, decreasing systemic toxicity and improving bioavailability. However, physiological barriers, primarily the stratum corneum, limit the drug's capability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and necessitate the usage of permeation enhancers and advanced formulation techniques. Physicochemical barriers of the drug, including high molecular weight, lipophilicity, and solubility, also hamper transdermal drug absorption. Additionally, issues related to drug stability, release kinetics, and adhesive matrices affect drug retention, controlled release, and therapeutic efficacy in the infected skin, which might be compromised due to ulceration, hyperkeratosis, or excessive irritation. Novel strategies such as nanocarrier-based TDDS including liposomes, nanoparticles, and microneedles potentially improve drug permeation and bioavailability while treating chronic skin infections. Nevertheless, the challenges remain in adjusting the compatibility of the drug formulations with the infected skin, while maintaining its effectiveness. This review is a comprehensive look at the physiological and formulation challenges in TDDS for managing chronic skin infections. More real-world evidence is required to further refine TDDS formulations for improved permeation, stability, and clinical efficacy against chronic skin infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102540"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144279824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Claudio Bucolo, Chiara M. Eandi, Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya
{"title":"Editorial overview: Advanced therapies and new targets in ocular diseases","authors":"Claudio Bucolo, Chiara M. Eandi, Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102543","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102543","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102543"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144221944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Lipid-based nanocarriers in topical applications for skin infections","authors":"Monali M. Upare , Koustubh Mansing Thorawade , Abhay Prakash Mishra , Manisha Nigam , Neti Waranuch","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102541","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102541","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Skin infections are a significant healthcare issue, particularly with rising AMR. LBNs like liposomes, SLNs, and NLCs hold promise for enhancing topical drug delivery in treating skin infections. They improve solubility, stability, and sustained release of antimicrobial agents, allowing deeper skin penetration. Their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate various drugs make them effective against bacterial and fungal infections. However, challenges such as stability issues (aggregation, fusion, sedimentation, and oxidation), regulatory hurdles (lack of specific guidelines), and manufacturing scalability limit their clinical use. This article reviews the benefits, advancements, and challenges of lipid-based nanocarriers for treating skin infections through topical delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102541"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144204841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Allogeneic double-negative T-cell therapy for acute myeloid leukemia","authors":"Enoch Tin , Jongbok Lee , Li Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>CD3<sup>+</sup>CD4<sup>−</sup>CD8<sup>−</sup> double-negative T cells (DNTs) represent a unique subset of T lymphocytes with potent cytotoxicity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Importantly, allogeneic DNTs do not induce graft-versus-host disease and have demonstrated characteristics suitable for off-the-shelf cellular therapy with promising efficacy in early-stage clinical trials. DNT therapy can synergize with conventional AML treatments and can be transduced with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Notably, persistent CAR<sup>+</sup> T cells in patients, who achieved long-term remission, predominantly have a DNT phenotype. The unique and versatile therapeutic properties of allogeneic DNTs position them as a strong candidate among adoptive cellular therapies for AML.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102537"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144155159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Colloidal drug delivery systems for infectious diseases of skin","authors":"Sopan Nangare , Varda Joshi , Shrikant Magdum , Riya Patil , Vishin Patil","doi":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.coph.2025.102536","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Infectious skin diseases represent a major global health burden, demanding effective and affordable treatments. Conventional therapies often face challenges such as reduced bioavailability, enzymatic degradation, low permeability, and poor solubility. Colloidal-based transdermal drug delivery systems, including liposomes, ethosomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, solid lipid nanoparticles, etc., have emerged as promising alternatives. In brief, these colloidal systems enhance drug penetration, stability, biocompatibility, and customized release while improving antimicrobial efficacy against various pathogens and minimizing systemic side effects. In conclusion, colloidal formulations offer a targeted, efficient approach, optimizing therapeutic outcomes, improving patient compliance, and advancing the treatment of infectious skin diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50603,"journal":{"name":"Current Opinion in Pharmacology","volume":"83 ","pages":"Article 102536"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144168264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}