Development of the Emirates Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Tool for Orphan Drugs.

Background The number of orphan drug approvals is currently increasing globally. This creates a significant burden on payers and healthcare systems. This study aimed to create a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tool for evaluating orphan drugs within the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Development of coated beads for oral controlled delivery of cefaclor: In vitro evaluation.

The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize coated chitosan-alginate beads containing cefaclor as a controlled release delivery system. Coated cefaclor beads were prepared by solvent evaporation techniques. Beads were found to be intact and spherical in shape.

Impact of chitosan as a disintegrant on the bioavailability of furosemide tablets: in vitro evaluation and in vivo simulation of novel formulations.

To determine the effect of chitosan, starch powder, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Avicel PH 101 powder, Avicel PH 102 granules as a function of different concentrations on the solubility, disintegration and hence dissolution of furosemide from immediate release tablet dosage forms. The tablets were prepared by the wet granulation method and evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration and in vitro dissolution. Chitosan 7% w/w showed the fastest disintegration of furosemide tablets among the other disintegrants studied.

Development and evaluation of chitosan microspheres for tetanus, diphtheria and divalent vaccines: a comparative study of subcutaneous and intranasal administration in mice.

Context: There is a need to use the new technologies to induce immunity with minimum number of vaccination sessions to ensure compliance with reducing cost.

Objectives: To develop single shot vaccines of tetanus, diphtheria and divalent toxoids microsphere's formulations and to induce their immune response after intranasal and subcutaneous administration in mice.

Materials And Methods: The microspheres were prepared using different concentrations of chitosan.

Meloxicam β-cyclodextrin transdermal gel: physicochemical characterization and in vitro dissolution and diffusion studies.

The aim of the study was to develop a Meloxicam (ME) transdermal gel formulations based on complexation with β-cyclodextrin. ME β-Cyclodextrin gel formulations were prepared using four different gel bases with different concentrations and different permeation enhancers. The developed formulations were examined for their in vitro characteristics and their diffusion through a mouse skin.

Pharmacokinetics of terbinafine after single oral dose administration in red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).

To determine pharmacokinetic parameters of orally administered terbinafine hydrochloride for potential treatment of aspergillosis in raptors, 10 adult red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were used in single dose trials by using 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg doses with a 2-week washout period between trials. After administration of 15 mg/kg terbinafine, mean (+/- SD) plasma concentration peaked in approximately 5 hours at 0.3 +/- 0.

Pharmacists' attitude, perceptions and knowledge towards the use of herbal products in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess pharmacists' current practice, perception and knowledge towards the use of herbal products in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study assessed the need for incorporating herbal medicine as a separate topic in under- graduate pharmacy student curricula.

Methods: The study was done on 600 pharmacists employed in Abu Dhabi, who were contacted electronically, out of which 271 had completed the survey.

Professional practices and perception towards rational use of medicines according to WHO methodology in United Arab Emirates.

Unlabelled: Inappropriate prescribing reduces the quality of medical care and leads to a waste of resources. No study has been reported concerning rational drug use in United Arab Emirates, UAE, recently.

Objectives: assessing patterns of use and defining problems regarding the rational drug use.