Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 32 in total

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  1. Abd El-Aal AAA, Jayakumar FA, Reginald K
    Drug Discov Today, 2023 Nov;28(11):103764.
    PMID: 37689179 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103764
    Cryptides are a subfamily of bioactive peptides embedded latently in their parent proteins and have multiple biological functions. Cationic cryptides could be used as modern drugs in both infectious diseases and cancers because their mechanism of action is less likely to be affected by genetic mutations in the treated cells, therefore addressing a current unmet need in these two areas of medicine. In this review, we present the current understanding of cryptides, methods to mine them sustainably using available online databases and prediction tools, with a particular focus on their antimicrobial and anticancer potential, and their potential applicability in a clinical setting.
  2. Balakumar P, Venkatesan K, Abdulla Khan N, Raghavendra NM, Venugopal V, Bharathi DR, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2023 Jul;28(7):103627.
    PMID: 37224995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103627
    The past couple of decades in particular have seen a rapid increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a debilitating metabolic disorder characterised by insulin resistance. The insufficient efficacy of current management strategies for insulin resistance calls for additional therapeutic options. The preponderance of evidence suggests potential beneficial effects of curcumin on insulin resistance, while modern science provides a scientific basis for its potential applications against the disease. Curcumin combats insulin resistance by increasing the levels of circulating irisin and adiponectin, activating PPARγ, suppressing Notch1 signalling, and regulating SREBP target genes, among others. In this review, we bring together the diverse areas pertaining to our current understanding of the potential benefits of curcumin on insulin resistance, associated mechanistic insights, and new therapeutic possibilities.
  3. Kakoty V, Kalarikkal Chandran S, Gulati M, Goh BH, Dua K, Kumar Singh S
    Drug Discov Today, 2023 Jun;28(6):103582.
    PMID: 37023942 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103582
    Aging is one of the major risk factors for most neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD). More than 10 million people are affected with PD worldwide. One of the predominant factors accountable for progression of PD pathology could be enhanced accumulation of senescent cells in the brain with the progress of age. Recent investigations have highlighted that senescent cells can ignite PD pathology via increased oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Senolytics are agents that kill senescent cells. This review mainly focuses on understanding the pathological connection between senescence and PD, with emphasis on some of the recent advances made in the area of senolytics and their evolution to potential clinical candidates for future pharmaceuticals against PD.
  4. Wong PF, Dharmani M, Ramasamy TS
    Drug Discov Today, 2023 Jan;28(1):103424.
    PMID: 36332835 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103424
    Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are susceptible to replicative senescence and senescence-associated functional decline, which hampers their use in regenerative medicine. Senotherapeutics are drugs that target cellular senescence through senolytic and senomorphic functions to induce apoptosis and suppress chronic inflammation caused by the senescence-associated secreted phenotype (SASP), respectively. Therefore, senotherapeutics could delay aging-associated degeneration. They could also be used to eliminate senescent MSCs during in vitro expansion or bioprocessing for transplantation. In this review, we discuss the role of senotherapeutics in MSC senescence, rejuvenation, and transplantation, with examples of some tested compounds in vitro. The prospects, challenges, and the way forward in clinical applications of senotherapeutics in cell-based therapeutics are also discussed.
  5. Mak KK, Epemolu O, Pichika MR
    Drug Discov Today, 2021 Nov 10.
    PMID: 34774767 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.005
    The successful regulatory authority approval rate of drug candidates in the drug development pipeline is crucial for determining pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) efficiency. Regulatory authorities include the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Pharmaceutical and Food Safety Bureau Japan (PFSB), among others. Optimal drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) properties influence the progression of a drug candidate from the preclinical to the clinical phase. In this review, we provide a comprehensive assessment of essential concepts, methods, improvements, and challenges in DMPK science and its significance in drug development. This information provides insights into the association of DMPK science with pharmaceutical R&D efficiency.
  6. Dubey SK, Parab S, Dabholkar N, Agrawal M, Singhvi G, Alexander A, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2021 04;26(4):931-950.
    PMID: 33444788 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.001
    Peptides and proteins have emerged as potential therapeutic agents and, in the search for the best treatment regimen, the oral route has been extensively evaluated because of its non-invasive and safe nature. The physicochemical properties of peptides and proteins along with the hurdles in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), such as degrading enzymes and permeation barriers, are challenges to their delivery. To address these challenges, several conventional and novel approaches, such as nanocarriers, site-specific and stimuli specific delivery, are being used. In this review, we discuss the challenges to the oral delivery of peptides and the approaches used to tackle these challenges.
  7. Loo YS, Bose RJ, McCarthy JR, Mat Azmi ID, Madheswaran T
    Drug Discov Today, 2021 04;26(4):902-915.
    PMID: 33383213 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.017
    Smart nanocarriers obtained from bacteria and viruses offer excellent biomimetic properties which has led to significant research into the creation of advanced biomimetic materials. Their versatile biomimicry has application as biosensors, biomedical scaffolds, immobilization, diagnostics, and targeted or personalized treatments. The inherent natural traits of biomimetic and bioinspired bacteria- and virus-derived nanovesicles show potential for their use in clinical vaccines and novel therapeutic drug delivery systems. The past few decades have seen significant progress in the bioengineering of bacteria and viruses to manipulate and enhance their therapeutic benefits. From a pharmaceutical perspective, biomimetics enable the safe integration of naturally occurring bacteria and virus particles to achieve high, stable rates of cellular transfection/infection and prolonged circulation times. In addition, biomimetic technologies can overcome safety concerns associated with live-attenuated and inactivated whole bacteria or viruses. In this review, we provide an update on the utilization of bacterial and viral particles as drug delivery systems, theranostic carriers, and vaccine/immunomodulation modalities.
  8. Almalki WH, Alghamdi S, Alzahrani A, Zhang W
    Drug Discov Today, 2021 03;26(3):826-835.
    PMID: 33383212 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.018
    Interest is increasing in the use of nanotheranostics as diagnosis, imaging and therapeutic tools for stroke management, but movement to the clinic remains challenging.
  9. Chandrasekaran R, Madheswaran T, Tharmalingam N, Bose RJ, Park H, Ha DH
    Drug Discov Today, 2021 01;26(1):94-105.
    PMID: 33130336 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.10.020
    Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have garnered much attention as contrast agents for computerized tomography (CT) because of their facile synthesis and surface functionalization, in addition to their significant X-ray attenuation and minimal cytotoxicity. Cell labeling using AuNPs and tracking of the labeled cells using CT has become a time-efficient and cost-effective method. Actively targeted AuNPs can enhance CT contrast and sensitivity, and further reduce the radiation dosage needed during CT imaging. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art use of AuNPs in CT for cell tracking, including the precautionary steps necessary for their use and the difficulty in translating the process into clinical use.
  10. Hejmady S, Pradhan R, Alexander A, Agrawal M, Singhvi G, Gorain B, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2020 12;25(12):2227-2244.
    PMID: 33011342 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.031
    A tumor serves as a major avenue in drug development owing to its complexity. Conventional therapies against tumors possess limitations such as suboptimal therapeutic efficacy and extreme side effects. These display poor pharmacokinetics and lack specific targeting, with non-specific distribution resulting in systemic toxicity. Therefore, nanocarriers targeted against cancers are increasingly being explored. Nanomedicine aids in maintaining a balance between efficacy and toxicity by specifically accumulating in tumors. Nanotherapeutics possess advantages such as increased solubility of chemotherapeutics, encapsulation of multiple drugs and improved biodistribution, and can ensure tumor-directed drug delivery and release via the approaches of passive targeting and active targeting. This review aims to offer a general overview of the current advances in tumor-targeting nanocarriers for clinical and diagnostic use.
  11. Gorain B, Choudhury H, Nair AB, Dubey SK, Kesharwani P
    Drug Discov Today, 2020 07;25(7):1174-1188.
    PMID: 32344042 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.04.013
    Theranostics has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancer, where novel drug delivery systems could be used to detect the disease at an early stage with instantaneous treatment. Various preclinical approaches of nanoemulsions with entrapped contrast and chemotherapeutic agents have been documented to act specifically on the tumor microenvironment (TME) for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. However, bringing these theranostic nanoemulsions through preclinical trials to patients requires several fundamental hurdles to be overcome, including the in vivo behavior of the delivery tool, degradation, and clearance from the system, as well as long-term toxicities. Here, we discuss recent advances in the application of nanoemulsions in molecular imaging with simultaneous therapeutic efficacy in a single delivery system.
  12. Singh S, Hassan D, Aldawsari HM, Molugulu N, Shukla R, Kesharwani P
    Drug Discov Today, 2020 01;25(1):223-229.
    PMID: 31738877 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.11.003
    Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are revolutionizing the treatment of many cancers and have demonstrated their potential as 'cancer terminators'. However, ICI treatment also has constraints, such as its immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and therapeutic resistance. These drawbacks are gradually being overcome through better knowledge of the immune system, history of disease, duration of treatment, combinational drug regimes, adequate biomarkers, and effective patient response monitoring. In this review, we discuss the present ICI therapy landscape and its therapeutic outcomes for various diseases. We also highlight biomarkers related to the ICI response.
  13. Cheong SL, Federico S, Spalluto G, Klotz KN, Pastorin G
    Drug Discov Today, 2019 09;24(9):1769-1783.
    PMID: 31102728 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.003
    Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Motor features such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability are common traits of PD. Current treatment options provide symptomatic relief to the condition but are unable to reverse disease progression. The conventional single-target therapeutic approach might not always induce the desired effect owing to the multifactorial nature of PD. Hence, multitarget strategies have been proposed to simultaneously target multiple proteins involved in the development of PD. Herein, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis of PD and the current pharmacotherapies. Furthermore, rationales and examples of multitarget approaches that have been tested in preclinical trials for the treatment of PD are also discussed.
  14. Soo HL, Quah SY, Sulaiman I, Sagineedu SR, Lim JCW, Stanslas J
    Drug Discov Today, 2019 09;24(9):1890-1898.
    PMID: 31154065 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.017
    Andrographolide (AGP), a naturally occurring bioactive compound, has been investigated as a lead compound in cancer drug development. Its multidimensional therapeutic effects have raised interest among medicinal chemists, which has led to extensive structural modification of the compound, resulting in analogues with improved pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties. Nevertheless, the analogues with the improved properties need to be rigorously studied to identify drug-like lead compounds. We scrutinised articles published from 2012 to 2018, to objectively provide opinions on the mechanisms of action of AGP and its analogues, as well as their potential as viable anticancer drugs. Preclinical and clinical data, along with the extensive medicinal chemistry efforts, indicate the compounds are potential anticancer agents with specific value in treating recalcitrant cancers such as pancreatic and lung cancers.
  15. Madheswaran T, Kandasamy M, Bose RJ, Karuppagounder V
    Drug Discov Today, 2019 07;24(7):1405-1412.
    PMID: 31102731 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.05.004
    Lyotropic nonlamellar liquid crystalline nanoparticles (NPs) (LCN), such as cubosomes and hexosomes, are useful tools for applications in drug delivery because of their unique structural properties. LCNs are highly versatile carriers that can be applied for use with topical, oral, and intravenous treatments. In recent years, significant research has focused on improving their preparation and characterization, including controlling drug release and enhancing the efficacy of loaded bioactive molecules. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of LCN-based carriers has been slow. In this review, we highlight recent advances and challenges in the development and application of LCN, providing examples of their topical, oral, and intravenous drug delivery applications, and discussing translational obstacles to LCN as a NP technology.
  16. Mak KK, Pichika MR
    Drug Discov Today, 2019 03;24(3):773-780.
    PMID: 30472429 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.11.014
    Artificial intelligence (AI) uses personified knowledge and learns from the solutions it produces to address not only specific but also complex problems. Remarkable improvements in computational power coupled with advancements in AI technology could be utilised to revolutionise the drug development process. At present, the pharmaceutical industry is facing challenges in sustaining their drug development programmes because of increased R&D costs and reduced efficiency. In this review, we discuss the major causes of attrition rates in new drug approvals, the possible ways that AI can improve the efficiency of the drug development process and collaboration of pharmaceutical industry giants with AI-powered drug discovery firms.
  17. Bapat RA, Joshi CP, Bapat P, Chaubal TV, Pandurangappa R, Jnanendrappa N, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2019 01;24(1):85-98.
    PMID: 30176358 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.08.012
    Maintenance of oral health is a major challenge in dentistry. Different materials have been used to treat various dental diseases, although treatment success is limited by features of the biomaterials used. To overcome these limitations, materials incorporated with nanoparticles (NPs) can be used in dental applications including endodontics, periodontics, tissue engineering, oral surgery, and imaging. The unique properties of NPs, including their surface:volume ratio, antibacterial action, physical, mechanical, and biological characteristics, and unique particle size have rendered them effective vehicles for dental applications. In this review, we provide insights into the various applications of NPs in dentistry, including their benefits, limitations, properties, actions and future potential.
  18. Mishra V, Patil A, Thakur S, Kesharwani P
    Drug Discov Today, 2018 06;23(6):1219-1232.
    PMID: 29366761 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.006
    Nanotechnology has gained significant interest from biomedical and analytical researchers in recent years. Carbon dots (C-dots), a new member of the carbon nanomaterial family, are spherical, nontoxic, biocompatible, and discrete particles less than 10nm in diameter. Research interest has focused on C-dots because of their ultra-compact nanosize, favorable biocompatibility, outstanding photoluminescence, superior electron transfer ability, and versatile surface engineering properties. C-dots show significant potential for use in cellular imaging, biosensing, targeted drug delivery, and other biomedical applications. Here we discuss C-dots, in terms of their physicochemical properties, fabrication techniques, toxicity issues, surface engineering and biomedical potential in drug delivery, targeting as well as bioimaging.
  19. Jain A, Jain A, Parajuli P, Mishra V, Ghoshal G, Singh B, et al.
    Drug Discov Today, 2018 05;23(5):960-973.
    PMID: 29129804 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.11.003
    Galactosylated nanocarriers have recently emerged as viable and versatile tools to deliver drugs at an optimal rate specifically to their target tissues or cells, thus maximizing their therapeutic benefits while circumventing off-target effects. The abundance of lectin receptors on cell surfaces makes the galactosylated carriers suitable for the targeted delivery of bioactives. Additionally, tethering of galactose (GAL) to various carriers, including micelles, liposomes, and nanoparticles (NPs), might also be appropriate for drug delivery. Here, we review recent advances in the development of galactosylated nanocarriers for active tumor targeting. We also provide a brief overview of the targeting mechanisms and cell receptor theory involved in the ligand-receptor-mediated delivery of drug carriers.
  20. Khurana RK, Jain A, Jain A, Sharma T, Singh B, Kesharwani P
    Drug Discov Today, 2018 Apr;23(4):763-770.
    PMID: 29317341 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2018.01.021
    Several randomized clinical trials have divulged that administration of antioxidants during chemotherapy decreases the effectiveness of treatment. Hence, the characteristic feature of this article is extensive assessment of putative benefits and potential risks of natural and synthetic antioxidant supplementation, administered with chemotherapy, based upon the available preclinical and clinical data. After analyzing mixed results, it was concluded that current FDA guidelines should be followed before supplementing antioxidants during cytotoxic treatment. Nevertheless, contradictory experimental animal models opposing human clinical trials discourage the concurrent administration of antioxidants ostensibly owing to the possibility of tumor protection and reduced survival.
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