aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena / Lu AF41155 / aripiprazole ERIS)

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical content by terahertz spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms.

Wang Xiaoning X, Zhang Chunyi C, Qu Qiuhong Q, Wang Pengfei P

Process analytical technology (PAT) plays an essential role in pharmaceutical manufacturing by enabling effective quality control and improving production efficiency. Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy has attracted considerable attention due to its advantages of high biosafety, distinctive spectral fingerprints, and excellent quantitative performance. However, achieving rapid classification and accurate quantification of pharmaceutical content remains challenging. Therefore, the combination of THz spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms is introduced to address this challenge. Three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), namely isoniazid, 4-aminobenzoic acid, and diflunisal, were selected, and principal component analysis (PCA) was first employed for dimensionality reduction of the THz spectral data. Subsequently, the prediction accuracy and computational efficiency were optimized using four machine learning algorithms, including support vector regression (SVR), multilayer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN). Among all models, the PCA-SVR model achieved the best prediction performance, with a coefficient of determination of 0.9990 and a root mean square error of 1.2%. In addition, the prediction time is reduced by up to 90%, which greatly improves the efficiency of data processing. The robustness of the proposed framework was further validated using a multi-component pharmaceutical system to simulate practical tablet formulations. This work demonstrates the potential of THz spectroscopy for component identification and content prediction of active pharmaceutical ingredients and sheds light on the nondestructive application for monitoring pharmaceutical quality and improving production efficiency in an online manner.

Pharmaceutical Waste Management and Awareness at Household Level: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Katlehong and Lambton in Ekurhuleni Municipality.

Tshomela Sithembile Mduduzi SM, Rampedi Isaac Tebogo IT, Kwenda Phyllis Rumbidzai PR

With the growing human population, improved access to healthcare, and the increasing burden of disease, the consumption and subsequent disposal of pharmaceuticals is rising. This study assessed and compared household pharmaceutical waste (HPW) storage and disposal, and environmental awareness among residents of Katlehong Township and Lambton Suburb within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. A stratified random sampling technique was used to identify and administer a semi-structured questionnaire to 303 respondents (Katlehong = 221; Lambton = 82). Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS ver.30 were used to generate descriptive statistics and χ 2 tests. The results revealed limited knowledge of what pharmaceutical waste is in Katlehong (39.4%, n = 87) and Lambton (42.7%, n = 35). Despite this, 77% (n = 233) of respondents expressed willingness to adopt proper disposal practices if adequate education and disposal alternatives are provided. Concerning storage, the most frequently adopted method in Katlehong (43.0%, n = 95) and Lambton (53.7%, n = 44) was inside a medicine box. Residents of Katlehong (61.5%, n = 136) and Lambton (72.0%, n = 59) mostly threw away HPW together with household general waste. Generally, higher‑income households (> R300,000/year) significantly adopted safe HPW disposal methods (χ 2 (5, 303) = 20.989, p < 0.001, Φ = 0.118, RR( = 0.245 (95% CI: 0.934-24.341)), when compared to lower-income households (< R500,000/year). Moreso, regardless of comparatively lower socio-economic conditions prevailing in the township of Katlehong, the data revealed statistically significant safer pharmaceutical storage practices (χ 2 (5, 303) = 20.989, p < 0.001, Φ = 0.121, RR(Kahlehong) = 0.442 (95% CI: 0.204-0.957), as compared to Lambton. Overall findings revealed poor pharmaceutical storage and HPW disposal, as well as limited awareness in both study areas. However, annual household income and the socio-economic status of the suburb did significantly influence HPW disposal and pharmaceutical storage practices, respectively. This highlights the urgent need for public education and accessible take-back systems to promote safe HPW management across both socioeconomic communities while also incorporating targeted interventions to effect change.

Pharmaceutical industry payments to Australian anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists: 2015-2024.

Cai Steven C SC, Dempster Anne-Marie Amie W AAW, Forbes Malcolm M

Manganese-Doped Carbon Dots for Sensitive Fluorescence Detection of Ciprofloxacin in Environmental and Pharmaceutical Samples.

Xue Jian J, Fu Wenli W, Liu Luhang L, Qin Qizhong Q et al.

A simple and sensitive fluorescence sensing method was developed for ciprofloxacin (CIP) determination based on manganese-doped carbon dots (Mn-CDs). The Mn-CDs were synthesized through a one-step hydrothermal method using anhydrous citric acid and manganese chloride tetrahydrate as precursors. The prepared Mn-CDs exhibited good dispersibility, uniform nanoscale morphology, abundant surface functional groups and favorable fluorescence properties. The incorporation of Mn was designed to introduce coordination-related binding sites for CIP, thereby enhancing the interaction between Mn-CDs and CIP. Under excitation at 330 nm, the Mn-CDs showed a pronounced fluorescence enhancement response toward CIP, enabling their use as fluorescent probes for quantitative detection. Under the optimized conditions, the fluorescence intensity increased linearly with CIP concentration over the range of 20 nM-10 μM, with a detection limit of 1.12 nM. The proposed sensing system exhibited satisfactory selectivity toward CIP over various potentially interfering substances and good storage stability. The practicality of the method was further verified by analysis of pond water samples, affording recoveries of 86-118% with relative standard deviations below 5%. In addition, the method showed acceptable applicability for CIP determination in different pharmaceutical formulations. These results indicate that the Mn-CD-based fluorescent probe provides a convenient, sensitive and promising platform for CIP determination in environmental and pharmaceutical samples.