Current Status of ß-Thalassemic Burden in India.

Thalassemia is a major public health concern in India. The thalassemic burden in India is high, with an estimated 100,000 patients diagnosed with ß-thalassemia syndrome. However, the exact number is unknown because of the absence of National Registries for patients. India alone contributes to approximately 25% of the global ß-thalassemia burden. A possible option to control this burden is to endorse education and awareness programs, compulsory prenatal screening, and develop suitable facilities for genetic counseling, and availability of cost-effective diagnostic tests in India, especially in rural areas. In addition to the various clinical complications associated with thalassemia, lifelong intervention creates mental and physical trauma in patients and their relatives. Government and nongovernment organizations have initiated screening programs to prevent thalassemia. However, prenatal screening is not mandatory, and the reachability of screening programs in rural areas is yet to begin. This review article will discuss the progress in thalassemia research in India, including its prevalence, spectrum of ß-thalassemia mutations, preventive and therapeutic measures, and awareness programs. More importantly, we will discuss the need and roadmap to strengthen prevention programs in India.

Preparation and evaluation of nanoparticles loaded ophthalmic in situ gel.

CONTEXT: Conventional ophthalmic solutions often eliminate rapidly after administration and cannot provide and maintain an adequate concentration of drug in the pre-corneal area. OBJECTIVES: Above problem can be overcome by the use of in situ gel forming systems that are instilled as drops in to the eye and undergo a sol-gel transition in the cul-de-sac. METHODS: An ion sensitive polymer gellan gum was used as gelling agent which formed immediate gel and remained for extended time period. Nanoparticles of moxifloxacin, prepared by solvent evaporation, were separated by freeze drying. The rheological properties and in vitro drug release test of in situ gel loaded with nanoparticles were evaluated and compared with marketed preparation. In vitro release study demonstrated diffusion controlled release for moxifloxacin from formulations over a period of 12 h. RESULTS: The developed formulation was stable and showed enhanced contact time minimizing the frequency of administration. Confocal microscopy showed clear permeation of drug loaded nanoparticles across L/S of cornea. CONCLUSION: The formulation of moxifloxacin was found liquid at the formulated pH and formed gel in the presence of mono or divalent cations. The gel formed in situ showed sustained drug release over a period of 10-12 h. The formulations were less viscous before instillation and formed strong gel after instilling it into cul-de-sac. It is thus concluded that by adopting a systematic formulation approach, an optimum point can be reached in the shortest time with minimum efforts to achieve desirable rheological and in vitro release property for in situ gel forming system.