Development of newer drug delivery systems (NDDS) has emerged as a significant arena of pharmaceutical research. The Indian pharma industry has categorised NDDS research as a major thrust and potential area. A huge amount of money and time is being spent on developing various newer drug delivery systems. But, the irony of the situation is that in spite of the honest intention of industry people, ultimate purpose of this research is not getting fulfilled, i.e., patients are still being exposed to the conventional and traditional drug delivery systems and we have been unable to fully exploit the probable benefits of NDDS to its maximum extent.
The researchers involved in active NDDS development cannot be held responsible for this and as such they are doing their job fairly well in a dedicated and sincere manner. The authors realise that there is a slight lacuna on the part of the rest of pharma professionals who are discharging their duties in various other capacities like marketing, community pharmacist/ hospital pharmacist, academicians, retail pharmacist etc. In the rapidly changing global scenario, it becomes very much relevant and significant to pay attention to the issues affecting NDDS.
Only 1/3 of the Indians have access to modern medicine, although when the cost of the drugs is lowest in the world. After the signing of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) process and product patent, most of the pharmaceutical companies are paying attention towards reorientation to NDDS, which involves huge investment. Also in Indian context, a large number of diseases are still prevailing which needs a long term and controlled medication therapy and hence there is an immense need to develop safe and effective drug delivery system for such diseases.
In the present scenario, India is progressing remarkably in drug delivery systems (DDS) focusing massively on R&D activities and consequently various newer and controlled DDS like transdermal, ocular, aquasomes, ethosomes, liposomes, resealed erythrocytes, implants etc. have been developed. These are having obvious advantages over conventional dosage forms like controlled and predictable release, lesser chances of dose dumping, reduction in frequency of administration, minimisation of side effects, etc.
One indispensable component, which has been generally ignored and neglected by the Indian pharma industry, academicians and society as well pharma professionals, is the people from hospital, research and marketing arena who may play a crucial and pivotal role in expending the scope of NDDS in India, particularly after its development. It becomes a serous matter of concern when we take India into consideration where on an average more than 60 per cent of population is still illiterate and residing in rural areas. It does not mean that we should slow down the pace of research work but the need of the hour is that it should benefit our society to its maximum, while such research work needs to break the boundaries of a laboratory.
The chapter of NDDS development does not end in real sense with its successful outcome at the R&D lab be it in industry or any academic institution. Rather, its development give genesis to various other tasks, assignments, duties and projects to other pharma professionals to extend its benefits to all aspirants.
NDDS: Present scenario after development
● Major thrust is being given to its successful development rather than its complete commercial exploitation and utilisation
● Some industry people are more interested in getting their research patented and published and are not willing to go beyond a set trend. This tendency is hampering the conversion of NDDS development into a potential therapeutic product to be used by the patient
● Our pharmaceutical journalist friends and the learned academicians are only restricted to observe the pharmaceutical technicalities involved in NDDS rather than giving an eye to the possibilities to exploit the same for the interest of the general public to treat the disease in an effective manner
What is expected?
● Physicians should prescribe NDDS more frequently for the benefit of patients and should not look for an alternative due to the lack of appropriate and relevant information about NDDS
● Efforts should be made to grab each and every possibility to convert NDDS developed in research lab into a therapeutically effective marketed product
● The patient should feel reasonable ease and comfort while using an NDDS based formulation
Remedies & strategies
Pharma professionals have to shoulder the responsibility of bridging the gap between development of NDDS and prescription of such drug delivery systems by physicians. He may act as a vital link to pass on relevant and essential information/knowledge about DDS to the physicians.
● Pharma literature designers, product executives and marketing professional may play a significant role in this regard. More emphasis should be given on the preparation of inserts, leaflets, pamphlets, which should contain well-explained pictograms along with the complete details regarding the mode of administration
● Academicians may supplement the mission by extending their in depth knowledge and experience on the concerned field to the industry people as well as to the research scholars
● Some pharmacists are struck to their routine job and are not willing to diversify their knowledge with the technological advancement. There is an immense need to expand their knowledge bank whenever possible
● Large number of conferences, seminars, exhibitions, symposia and talks should be organised focusing on NDDS development. Also, achievements in this field should be duly publicised through print and audio visual media
● Organisation of groups, societies and professional bodies involved in the promotion of NDDS should be encouraged
● Above all, pharma professionals should give an intelligent thought in this regard and redefine the role to fulfil the mission to serve the humanity or in other words patients
Conclusion
Now-a-days research related to NDDS development is a highly preferred and fascinating field of pharmaceutical world. Pharma industry is investing huge amounts of man power, capital and time on this research area. It is the responsibility of pharma professionals from various fields like industry, academics, hospitals, marketing etc. to maintain the growth curve touching its peak height. At the same time the possible benefits of NDDS research should be exploited maximum for the welfare of patients.
(The authors are with
D.J. College of Pharmacy, Niwari Road, Modinagar).