Intranasal Varenicline: Review of a Novel Formulation for the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease.

Objective: To examine the literature pertaining to safety and efficacy of intranasal (IN) varenicline for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed was performed (1985 to January 2022) using the following search terms: varenicline, OC-01, intranasal, and dry eye. Additional data were acquired from references of identified articles, prescribing information, government databases, and manufacturer website. Study Selection/Data Extraction: All relevant English-language studies were included in this review. Data Synthesis: IN varenicline was FDA approved for the treatment of DED in 2021. IN varenicline has demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in outcomes related to basal tear film production as measured by a Schirmer test score (STS) in data from phase 2 and 3 clinical trials. Safety data from these trials have demonstrated that IN varenicline is generally well tolerated with minimal ocular side effects. The most common side effects reported in the trials were sneezing, coughing, along with throat and nasal irritation. Relevance to Patient care and Clinical Practice: Patients suffering from DED have been traditionally treated with ophthalmic preparations; however, many patients struggle with proper administration of ophthalmic products. IN varenicline stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors and basal tear film production through the trigeminal parasympathetic nerve pathway (TPP). There is no evidence to support the long-term remission of DED symptoms with IN varenicline as seen with anti-inflammatory modulators. Conclusions: IN varenicline offers an effective and novel approach to management of DED for patients who desire a non-ophthalmic preparation with a favorable side effect profile.

Developing Authentic Mentorship Through Professional Organizations.

Harsh realities in pandemic fatigue, burnout, inequities, and isolation are impacting academic pharmacy. Mentoring programs, especially inter-institutional programs such as those provided within the Sections and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), may combat some of these issues. Unfortunately, year after year, Academy members continue to request information from these groups on mentoring, whether it be the opportunity to pair up, for advice on how to be better mentors, or for guidance on how to develop a program on mentoring for the Sections and SIGs without an existing program. The need for authentic mentoring is vital to the success and retention of faculty and staff within the Academy. Therefore, it may be appropriate to take a closer look at why, despite ongoing mentoring programs scattered within AACP Sections and SIGs, these programs are unable to fulfill the needs of participants.

Mentorship Landscape and Common Practices in an Academic Pharmacy Association.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the landscape of mentorship within professional associations in pharmacy academia, including reviewing available literature and describing currently available programs within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and recommend key considerations for the development of mentorship programs within professional associations. FINDINGS: A literature review of mentorship programs within professional associations for pharmacy academics was conducted, with a total of 5 articles identified and summarized. Additionally, a survey was conducted to determine the landscape of available mentorship programs within American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy affinity groups to capture unpublished experiences. Information regarding common characteristics and assessment methods was collected for groups that have mentorship programs, while needs and barriers were collected for those who did not. SUMMARY: Literature, while limited, supports positive perceptions of mentorship programs within professional associations. Based on the responses and working group experience, several recommendations are proposed for mentorship program development, including the need for clearly defined goals, relevant program outcomes, association support to reduce redundancies and promote participation, and, in some cases, implementation of an association-wide program to ensure access to mentorship.

Report of the 2017-2018 Student Affairs Standing Committee.

The 2017-2018 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Student Affairs Standing Committee addressed charges related to student wellness and resilience and identified ways where AACP can assist member organizations to build positive wellbeing in students. The Committee report provides nine recommendations to AACP, three suggestions for colleges and schools of pharmacy, and one proposed policy statement related to student wellness and resilience. The report focuses on themes of consequences of burnout and declining resilience, culture shift around wellness, creating community around times of grief, partnerships with member organizations to create campus cultures that promote overall wellbeing and strategies to help students to manage stress in healthy ways. Committee members challenge AACP, and other professional organizations, to include the student voice when future programs and strategies are developed. Finally, this report provides future recommendations for the Student Affairs Standing Committee.