Preparation of tofacitinib sustained-release tablets using hot melt extrusion technology.

This study aimed to develop a tablet that shows a drug release profile similar to the tofacitinib sustained-release tablet (Xeljanz XR®; OROS™) using hot melt extrusion technology. Tofacitinib citrate was selected as the drug. HPMCAS, HPMCP, and Kollidon VA64 were used as thermoplastic polymers to prepare a hot-melt extrudate. The extrudate was obtained from a twin screw extruder and pelletizer. The granules were compressed using a single punch press machine and then coated. TGA, DSC, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM were performed on the hot melt extrudate to understand its physicochemical properties. Dissolution tests were performed using the paddle method (USP Apparatus II). The results showed that the crystallinity state of tofacitinib changed to amorphous after the hot melt extrusion process; however, no chemical change was observed. The drug release profile was similar to that of Xeljanz XR®, which has an initial lag time owing to its OROS™ formulation; a coating process was performed to obtain a similar drug release profile. The lag time was controlled by adjusting the thickness of the coating layer. Moreover, the extrudate size and compression force during tableting did not significantly affect drug release. In conclusion, the new tofacitinib sustained-release tablet prepared using hot melt extrusion showed a drug release behavior similar to that of Xeljanz XR®.

Teaching Intellectual Humility Is Essential in Preparing Collaborative Future Pharmacists.

Interprofessional teams contribute significantly to patient care and safety. However, barriers to effective interdisciplinary collaboration have been identified, such as power dynamics and mistrust among team members, contrasting ideologies, interests and levels of engagement of clinicians, and disciplinary territoriality, which could negatively impact patient care. Teaching current health professional students behaviors and personal values that promote collaboration is critical in equipping them to function effectively in an interdisciplinary care setting. In this commentary, we put forward the idea that teaching intellectual humility is important in preparing collaborative future pharmacists. The core dimensions of intellectual humility, namely, open-mindedness, intellectual modesty, engagement, and corrigibility are important behaviors that could address the above-mentioned barriers, and promote successful interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, we suggest strategies through which student pharmacists could be taught intellectual humility, mainly within the interprofessional education setting.

Pharmacy Students' Perception of an Elective Course on Evidence-based Learning Strategies.

Objective. To examine pharmacy students' perceptions of an elective course on evidence-based learning strategies.Methods. Pre- and post-course survey questionnaires were administered to students who enrolled in an elective course, to determine the learning strategies they used prior to course attendance, track their use of evidence-based learning strategies and observance of healthy lifestyle habits, and assess their perception of the course. A written assignment was given that required students to reflect on the learning outcomes that resulted from their application of evidence-based learning strategies. Mean scores on the pre- and post-course survey were analyzed using a general linear model repeated measures test.Results. The 59 students in this study predominantly used less-effective strategies (eg, re-reading and re-writing of notes) prior to taking the course. They reported increased use of evidence-based learning strategies, particularly retrieval practice and elaboration, and practice of healthy lifestyle habits (ie, enough sleep, exercise, good nutrition) after course completion. Students believed that using the above learning strategies improved their learning and memory and performance on graded assessments, among other benefits. Students had a positive perception of the course.Conclusion. The elective course was associated with increased use of effective learning strategies, adoption of healthy lifestyle practices that aid learning, and increased appreciation for evidence-based learning strategies by the students. Future studies are needed to examine actual learning outcomes and barriers to implementation of evidence-based learning techniques.