Devices for securing and administering pediatric compounded oral liquids: survey results from French university hospitals.

Oral liquid forms, either commercial or compounded, are preferred in pediatrics due to their suitability for weight-based dosing and acceptability for children. The choice of dosing delivery devices associated with oral liquid forms is important to ensure accurate dosing, ease of administration, and patient safety. Given the prevalence of compounding in pediatric settings, this study aimed to investigate the practices among French university hospitals concerning the selection of dosing delivery devices associated with compounding oral liquid forms for children. An online survey was distributed to pharmacists involved in compounding in French university hospitals. The survey covered aspects such as the presence of child-resistant caps, types of dosing devices, the presence of bottle adapters, and the type of bottle adapters used. Among the 36 hospital pharmacies contacted, 24 responded to the survey. One pharmacy employed child-resistant caps for compounded liquid forms. Enteral syringes emerged as the primary dosing device (71%), with a minority using luer/luer-lock syringes (21%). Spoon and measuring cup usage was reported by none. Approximately two-thirds of the pharmacies (67%) used a bottle adapter in conjunction with the sampling device.   Conclusion: The study highlighted diversity in the practices of French university hospitals regarding dosing delivery devices associated with compounding oral liquid forms for pediatric patients. The findings underscored the need for standardized guidelines to streamline practices and enhance safety and precision in compounded medication administration for children. What is Known: • Administration devices are important to ensure the correct administration of the required dose of oral liquids in pediatrics. • For compounded oral liquid forms, the selection and supply of administration devices are managed by compounding pharmacies from those available on the market. What is New: • The study highlighted the variability of administration devices associated with compounded liquids for oral use in French hospital pharmacies.

Administration of an AAV vector coding for a P2X7-blocking nanobody-based biologic ameliorates colitis in mice.

BACKGROUND: The pro-inflammatory ATP-gated P2X7 receptor is widely expressed by immune and non-immune cells. Nanobodies targeting P2X7, with potentiating or antagonistic effects, have been developed. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene transfer represents an efficient approach to achieve long-term in vivo expression of selected nanobody-based biologics. This approach (AAVnano) was used to validate the relevance of P2X7 as a target in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. RESULTS: Mice received an intramuscular injection of AAV vectors coding for potentiating (14D5-dimHLE) or antagonistic (13A7-Fc) nanobody-based biologics targeting P2X7. Long-term modulation of P2X7 activity was evaluated ex vivo from blood samples. Colitis was induced with DSS in mice injected with AAV vectors coding for nanobody-based biologics. Severity of colitis, colon histopathology and expression of chemokines and cytokines were determined to evaluate the impact of P2X7 modulation. A single injection of an AAV vector coding for 13A7-Fc or 14D5-dimHLE efficiently modulated P2X7 function in vivo from day 15 up to day 120 post-injection in a dose-dependent manner. An AAV vector coding for 13A7-Fc significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis and significantly reduced immune cell infiltration and expression of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines in colonic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the validity of AAVnano methodology to modulate P2X7 functions in vivo. Applying this methodological approach to a DSS-induced colitis model, we have shown that P2X7 blockade reduces inflammation and disease severity. Hence, this study confirms the importance of P2X7 as a pharmacological target and suggests the use of nanobody-based biologics as potential therapeutics in inflammatory bowel disease.

Development of an Oral Liquid Formulation of Nicardipine Hydrochloride Compounded with Simple Excipients for the Treatment of Pediatric Hypertension.

Nicardipine hydrochloride is an anti-hypertensive drug that is used off-label to treat hypertension in children. A previous oral formulation of nicardipine hydrochloride was developed using a commercial vehicle as an excipient. However, ready-to-use vehicles are prone to supply shortages, and their composition may undergo substantial modifications. The aim of this study was to propose a new oral formulation of nicardipine hydrochloride 2 mg/mL using simple excipients. The formulation included hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, simple syrup, polysorbate 80, sodium saccharin, citrate buffer, strawberry flavor and 0.2% potassium sorbate. The uniformity of content was maintained before and after agitation. Nicardipine hydrochloride concentration assessed by HPLC-MS/MS remained above 90% for 365 days before opening and for 28 days after opening. pH and osmolality were maintained throughout the study, and no microbial contamination was observed. The uniformity of mass of the delivered doses was evaluated using four different devices. A new oral formulation of nicardipine hydrochloride 2 mg/mL was developed using simple and safe excipients. Pharmacological and clinical parameters remain to be assessed and compared with those of the previous formulation.

Do generic drugs cause hypersensitivity?

Generic drugs may differ from brand-name drugs in nature and quantity of excipients. Hypersensitivity to generic drugs is a subject of growing importance given their key role in healthcare spending policies, however, a review of published data highlighted that relevant data is sparse. No scientific rationale has emerged for labelling patients allergic to all generic drugs, and hypersensitivity to generic drugs may rather be explored on a case-by-case basis. In the case of hypersensitivity without any change in medication, it is advisable to check for a switch from a brand-name to a generic drug, and if hypersensitivity to a generic drug is suspected, its composition must be checked.

Development of Antibody and Nanobody Tools for P2X7.

Antibodies that recognize the ATP-gated P2X7 ion channel are etablished research tools. Nanobodies correspond to the antigen-binding variable immunoglobulin domain (VHH) of heavy chain antibodies that naturally occur in camelids. Nanobodies display better solubility than the variable domains (VH) of conventional antibodies. Therefore, it is much easier to construct bivalent and multivalent fusion proteins with nanobodies than with VH domains or with paired VH-VL domains. Moreover, nanobodies can bind functional crevices that are poorly accessbile to conventional VH-VL domains. This makes nanobodies particulary well suited as functional modulators. Here we provide protocols to raise antibodies and nanobodies against mouse and human P2X7 using cDNA-immunization. This approach evokes antibodies and nanobodies that recognize the P2X7 ion channel in native confirmation, some of which inhibit or potentiate gating of P2X7 by extracellular ATP. Furthermore, we developed protocols for producing P2X7-specific nanobodies and antibodies in vivo using rAAV vectors (AAVnano). This approach can be used either to durably inhibit or potentiate P2X7 function in vivo, or to deplete P2X7-expressing cells.

Evaluation of nanobody-based biologics targeting purinergic checkpoints in tumor models in vivo.

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) represents a danger signal that accumulates in injured tissues, in inflammatory sites, and in the tumor microenvironment. ATP promotes tumor growth but also anti-tumor immune responses notably via the P2X7 receptor. ATP can also be catabolized by CD39 and CD73 ecto-enzymes into immunosuppressive adenosine. P2X7, CD39 and CD73 have attracted much interest in cancer as targets offering the potential to unleash anti-tumor immune responses. These membrane proteins represent novel purinergic checkpoints that can be targeted by small drugs or biologics. Here, we investigated nanobody-based biologics targeting mainly P2X7, but also CD73, alone or in combination therapies. Blocking P2X7 inhibited tumor growth and improved survival of mice in cancer models that express P2X7. P2X7-potentiation by a nanobody-based biologic was not effective alone to control tumor growth but enhanced tumor control and immune responses when used in combination with oxaliplatin chemotherapy. We also evaluated a bi-specific nanobody-based biologic that targets PD-L1 and CD73. This novel nanobody-based biologic exerted a potent anti-tumor effect, promoting tumor rejection and improving survival of mice in two tumor models. Hence, this study highlights the importance of purinergic checkpoints in tumor control and open new avenues for nanobody-based biologics that may be further exploited in the treatment of cancer.

Prevention of Anti-HMGCR Immune-Mediated Necrotising Myopathy by C5 Complement Inhibition in a Humanised Mouse Model.

Introduction: immune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM) is associated with pathogenic anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) or 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) antibodies, at least partly through activation of the classical pathway of the complement. We evaluated zilucoplan, an investigational drug, and a macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of complement component 5 (C5), in humanized mouse models of IMNM. Methods: purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) from an anti-HMGCR+ IMNM patient was co-injected intraperitoneally with human complement in C57BL/6, C5-deficient B10 (C5def) and Rag2 deficient (Rag2-/-) mice. Zilucoplan was administered subcutaneously in a preventive or interventional paradigm, either injected daily throughout the duration of the experiment in C57BL/6 and C5def mice or 8 days after disease induction in Rag2-/- mice. Results: prophylactic administration of zilucoplan prevented muscle strength loss in C5def mice (anti-HMGCR+ vs. anti-HMGCR+ + zilucoplan: p = 0.0289; control vs. anti-HMGCR+ + zilucoplan: p = 0.4634) and wild-type C57BL/6 (anti-HMGCR+ vs. anti-HMGCR+ + zilucoplan: p = 0.0002; control vs. anti-HMGCR+ + zilucoplan: p = 0.0939) with corresponding reduction in C5b-9 deposits on myofibres and number of regenerated myofibres. Interventional treatment of zilucoplan after disease induction reduced the complement deposits and number of regenerated myofibres in muscles of Rag2-/- mice, although to a lesser extent. In this latter setting, C5 inhibition did not significantly ameliorate muscle strength. Conclusion: Early administration of zilucoplan prevents the onset of myopathy at the clinical and histological level in a humanized mouse model of IMNM.

A Methodological Approach Using rAAV Vectors Encoding Nanobody-Based Biologics to Evaluate ARTC2.2 and P2X7 In Vivo.

On murine T cells, mono-ADP ribosyltransferase ARTC2.2 catalyzes ADP-ribosylation of various surface proteins when nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is released into the extracellular compartment. Covalent ADP-ribosylation of the P2X7 receptor by ARTC2.2 thereby represents an additional mechanism of activation, complementary to its triggering by extracellular ATP. P2X7 is a multifaceted receptor that may represents a potential target in inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cancer. We present herein an experimental approach using intramuscular injection of recombinant AAV vectors (rAAV) encoding nanobody-based biologics targeting ARTC2.2 or P2X7. We demonstrate the ability of these in vivo generated biologics to potently and durably block P2X7 or ARTC2.2 activities in vivo, or in contrast, to potentiate NAD+- or ATP-induced activation of P2X7. We additionally demonstrate the ability of rAAV-encoded functional heavy chain antibodies to elicit long-term depletion of T cells expressing high levels of ARTC2.2 or P2X7. Our approach of using rAAV to generate functional nanobody-based biologics in vivo appears promising to evaluate the role of ARTC2.2 and P2X7 in murine acute as well as chronic disease models.

Clinical impact of a personalized pharmaceutical plan on opioid management in non-cancer pain: a pilot study.

Non-cancer pain of the locomotor apparatus is the main symptom justifying referral to a rheumatologist with potential introduction of opioids, leading to addiction if misused. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a personalized pharmaceutical plan on patients' knowledge of their opioid treatment and its duration. This prospective non-randomized pilot study was conducted during 7 months with standardized data collected in a French rheumatology department. Patients with rheumatic diseases and non-cancer pain requiring opioid treatment were included. The intervention group had a 30-min opioid-targeted pharmaceutical interview and received a full medication plan and the control group received usual care. A total of 17 patients were included in the intervention group and 18 in the control group. Among patients in the intervention group, only 6 (35%) knew that immediate-release opioids have a rapid and short action, 9 (53%) were worried about taking opioids, and 13 (76%) reported that they would refer to the information document provided if side effects occurred. A trend toward a shorter duration of treatment was observed in the study group (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 0.93 to 3.76, p = 0.08), but this trend was attenuated when adjusting on hospital duration (HR = 1.53, 95% CI 0.74 to 3.15, p = 0.25). This pilot study provides preliminary evidence on the role of the clinical pharmacist in the management of non-cancer pain with strong opioids. Clinical benefits will be assessed in a randomized study. Key Points • Knowledge of opioids is insufficient in rheumatology patients with non-cancer pain. • Pharmaceutical interviews may improve patients' knowledge of opioids.

Stability study of a compounded oral solution of nicardipine for the treatment of hypertension in children.

Nicardipine is an antihypertensive drug that may be used off-label by oral route to treat hypertension in children. Currently commercially available tablets are inappropriate for oral use in children and manufactured hard capsules are not suitable for easy dose individualization to achieve target blood pressure. We aimed to fulfill this lack of appropriate dose forms by developing an oral liquid formulation of nicardipine. We compounded an extemporaneous 2 mg/mL nicardipine solution in InOrpha® vehicle for oral use with 1% polysorbate 80. A HPLC-MS/MS stability-indicating method was developed and validated. The stability was assessed under room temperature and refrigerated storage conditions. Nicardipine concentration remained above 95% of the initial concentration for 90 days in both storage conditions, without apparition of degradation products. Organoleptic parameters, pH, osmolality, viscosity and density were assessed and remained stable throughout storage. A uniformity of content was maintained before and after agitation of the packaging bottles. Mass uniformity of delivered doses was also ensured. Finally, the formulation met the Pharmacopoeia specifications for microbiological contaminations. In this study we report a compounded formulation of nicardipine for oral use in pediatrics. This solution, which could be easily manufactured, is being used in our hospital. Pharmacological and clinical parameters including bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and tolerance remain to be assessed.

Assessment of adherence to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: This work aimed to assess treatment adherence in rheumatoid arthritis patients with several tools and to identify factors associated with poor adherence. METHOD: Between February and December 2015, 183 patients were included in this cross-sectional study. A homemade 23-item self-questionnaire was filled by patients during an outpatient consultation or a day hospitalization stay. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS)-4, MMAS-8 and Girerd scores were extracted from this homemade questionnaire. Medication possession ratio (MPR) was then calculated. For identification of factors associated with nonadherence, patients were divided in two groups according to MMAS-8 results differentiating patients with good or bad adherence to treatments. RESULTS: Of the 183 patients, 59% received a combination of biologic and conventional synthetic disease-modifying drugs, 22% a biological treatment alone, and 19% a conventional DMARD alone. Respectively, 3%, 10%, and 7% were considered as low adherent according to MMAS-4, MMAS-8, and Girerd scores. MPR was calculated for 84/183 patients; 23% were low adherent. The need for a help in preparing the drugs (p = 0.05; OR = 6.12; 95% CI: 0.86 to 268.90) and concomitant diabetes (p < 0.001; OR = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.299) was higher in patients with good adherence. Presence of a patient's relative reminding to take medications was associated with low adherence (p = 0.002; OR = 4.32, 95% CI: 1.41 to 13.11). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the difficulty of assessing treatment adherence in rheumatoid arthritis patients despite four different tools. Objective measures by MPR indicated a higher proportion of poor adherent patients than self-questionnaires.Key Points• Proportion of patients considered as low adherent ranged from 3 to 27% according to the method of evaluation.• The use of a pillbox and/or the preparation of drugs by a patient's relative was associated with good adherence.• The presence of a patient's relative reminding to take medication was associated with low adherence.

Medico-economic impact of robot-assisted lung segmentectomy: what is the cost of the learning curve?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the learning curve (LC) of robot-assisted lung segmentectomy and to evaluate hospital-related costs. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of Robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) segmentectomies performed by 1 surgeon during 5 years. Perioperative and medical device data were collected. The LC, based on operating time, was assessed by Cumulative SUM analysis and an exponential model. Cost of care was estimated using the French National Cost Study method. RESULTS: One hundred and two RATS segmentectomies were included. The LC was completed at ∼30 procedures according to both models without significant difference in patients' characteristics before or after the LC. Mean operative time decreased from 136 min [95% confidence intervals (CI) 124-149] for the first 30 procedures to 97 min (95% CI 88-107) for the last 30 procedures. Mean length of stay decreased non-significantly (P = 0.10 for linear trend) from 8.1 days (95% CI 6.1-11.0) to 6.2 days (95% CI 4.9-7.9). The overall costs for the last 30 procedures as compared with the first 30 did not significantly decrease in the primary economic analysis but significantly decreased (P = 0.02) by €1271 (95% CI -2688 to +108, P = 0.02 for linear trend) after exclusion of 1 outlier (hospitalization-related costs > €10 000). After exclusion of this outlier, costs related to EndoWrist® instruments significantly decreased by €-135 (95% CI -220 to -35, P = 0.004), whereas costs related to clips decreased non-significantly (P = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: The LC was completed at ∼30 procedures. Inexperienced surgeons may have higher procedure costs, related to consumable medical devices and operating time.

Evaluation of P2X7 Receptor Function in Tumor Contexts Using rAAV Vector and Nanobodies (AAVnano).

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) represents a danger signal that accumulates in injured tissues, in inflammatory sites, and in the tumor microenvironment. Extracellular ATP is known to signal through plasma membrane receptors of the P2Y and P2X families. Among the P2X receptors, P2X7 has attracted increasing interest in the field of inflammation as well as in cancer. P2X7 is expressed by immune cells and by most malignant tumor cells where it plays a crucial yet complex role that remains to be clarified. P2X7 activity has been associated with production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of the activity and survival of immune cells, and the stimulation of proliferation and migratory properties of tumor cells. Hence, P2X7 plays an intricate role in the tumor microenvironment combining beneficial and detrimental effects that need to be further investigated. For this, we developed a novel methodology termed AAVnano based on the use of Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) encoding nanobodies targeting P2X7. We discuss here the advantages of this tool to study the different functions of P2X7 in cancer and other pathophysiological contexts.

Feedback on the use of three surgical sealants for preventing prolonged air leak after robot-assisted anatomical lung resection.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged air leak (PAL) is the most common complication after lung resection. Several surgical sealants have been developed to reduce PAL, including fibrin-based (FS), polyethylene glycol-based (PEGS) and polyglycolic acid-based (PGAS) sealants. In this work we report our experience of surgical sealant use after robot-assisted lung resection. METHODS: A 7-year retrospective study was conducted, including patients who had robot-assisted lobectomy or segmentectomy. Data were collected using a prospective national database. The use of surgical sealants was recorded in traceability sheets. RESULTS: PAL occurred in 60 of the 299 patients included. American Society of Anesthesiologists score (ASA) and index of prolonged air leak (IPAL) were higher for patients with sealants. In this group, operative time, chest drain duration and length of stay were significantly longer. PAL occurrence was significantly associated to sealant in univariate analysis (odds ratio =1.88, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.36, P=0.03) but the association was slightly decreased when adjusting on IPAL and ASA score (Odds ratio =1.70, 95% CI: 0.94 to 3.10, P=0.08). Comparing sealants, more segmentectomies were performed in patients with PGAS (P=0.0013) and their operative time was shorter (P=0.0002). PAL occurrences were not different. Length of stay (P=0.0045) and operative time (P=0.0002) were longer in patients with PEGS who had more postoperative complications (P=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not identify a positive effect of surgical sealants for preventing PAL. However it highlighted the need to rationalize their use.

Novel biologics targeting the P2X7 ion channel.

Targeting the P2X7 ion channel, a danger sensor for extracellular nucleotides, improves outcomes in models of inflammation, cancer, and brain-diseases. Antibodies and nanobodies have been developed that antagonize or potentiate gating of P2X7. Their potential advantages over small-molecule drugs include high specificity, lower off-target effects, and tunable in vivo half-life. Genetic fusion of P2X7-specific biologics to binding modules may enable targeting of specific cell subsets. Besides directly modulating P2X7 function, antibodies can also initiate specific depletion of P2X7-expressing cells. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) can be used to express P2X7-specific antibodies in vivo to achieve long-lasting biological effects. Furthermore, if successfully targeted to P2X7-expressing cells, AAVs may enable modulation of the function of P2X7-expressing immune cells via encoded transgenic RNA or proteins.

The affordability of minimally invasive procedures in major lung resection: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive procedures are used for the surgical treatment of lung cancer. Two techniques are proposed: video-assisted thoracic surgery or robotic-assisted thoracic surgery. Our goal was to study the economic impact of our long-standing program for minimally invasive procedures for major lung resection. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre, 1-year prospective cost study. Patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy were included. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were collected. Medical supply expenses based on the microcosting method and capital depreciation were estimated. Total cost was evaluated using a national French database. RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients were included, 57 with and 55 without robotic assistance. More segmentectomies were performed with robotic assistance. The median length of stay was 5 days for robotic-assisted and 6 days for video-assisted procedures (P = 0.13). The duration of median chest drains (4 days, P = 0.36) and of operating room time (255 min, P = 0.55) was not significantly different between the groups. The overall conversion rate to thoracotomy was 9%, significantly higher in the video-assisted group than in the robotic group (16% vs 2%, P = 0.008). No difference was observed in postoperative complications. The cost of most robotic-assisted procedures ranged from €10 000 to €12 000 (median €10 972) and that of most video-assisted procedures ranged from €8 000 to €10 000 (median €9 637) (P = 0.007); median medical supply expenses were €3 236 and €2 818, respectively (P = 0.004). The overall mean cost of minimally invasive techniques (€11 759) was significantly lower than the mean French cost of lung resection surgical procedures (€13 424) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The cost at our centre of performing minimally invasive surgical procedures appeared lower than the cost nationwide. Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery demonstrated acceptable additional costs for a long-standing program.

Biomaterial-assisted cell therapy in osteoarthritis: From mesenchymal stem cells to cell encapsulation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and inflammatory joint disease that affects the cartilage, subchondral bone, and joint tissues. Although current drug therapies can provide a degree of symptomatic relief from pain, they fail to prevent joint damage. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have generated significant interest in terms of medical applications because they exert their therapeutic properties by secretion of bioactive factors that have potent immunomodulatory, antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, intra-articular injection of MSCs has major limitations including cell death upon injection and massive leakage from the injection site. Encapsulation of MSCs has therefore been developed as a way to overcome these limitations and to deliver therapeutic bioactive factors in several pathologies. In this review, we first briefly highlight the main therapeutic properties of MSCs and their applications in OA treatment. We then focus on MSC encapsulation and the current advances this strategy offers for the treatment of OA.

Recent advances in nanocarrier-loaded gels: Which drug delivery technologies against which diseases?

The combination of pharmaceutical technologies can be a wise choice for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. The association of nanocarriers and gels provides new therapeutic possibilities due to the combined properties of the two technologies. Gels support the nanocarriers, localize their administration to the target tissue, and sustain their release. In addition to the properties afforded by the gel, nanocarriers can provide additional drug sustained release or different pharmacokinetic and biodistribution profiles than those from nanocarriers administered by the conventional route to improve the drug therapeutic index. This review focuses on recent (over the last ten years) in vivo data showing the advances and advantages of using nanocarrier-loaded gels. Liposomes, micelles, liquid and solid lipid nanocapsules, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and fullerenes are all nanotechnologies which have been recently assessed for medical applications, such as cancer therapy, the treatment of cutaneous and infectious diseases, anesthesia, the administration of antidepressants, and the treatment of unexpected diseases, such as alopecia.