Person:
Serrano López, Dolores Remedios

First Name

Dolores Remedios

Last Name

Serrano López

Affiliation

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Faculty / Institute

Farmacia

Department

Farmacia Galénica y Tecnología Alimentaria

Area

Farmacia y Tecnología Farmaceútica

Identifiers

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 19

Increased Efficacy of Oral Fixed-Dose Combination of Amphotericin B and AHCC® Natural Adjuvant against Aspergillosis
(MDPI, 2019-09-03) Pérez-Cantero, Alba; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios; Navarro Rodríguez, Patricia; Schätzlein, Andreas G.; Uchegbu, Ijeoma F.; Torrado Durán, Juan José; Capilla, Javier
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis represents one of the most serious fungal infections among immunocompromised patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the in vivo e_cacy of prophylactic oral amphotericin B (AMB) encapsulated in modified chitosan-nanoparticles (Nanomerics’ Molecular Envelope Technology (MET)) supplemented with a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia (AHCC®) in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis. We determined fungal burden and survival of mice and additionally, we carried out a cytokine analysis in an attempt to understand the immunomodulation of the extract. Our results evidenced equivalent e_cacy between orally administered AMB-MET and the intravenous liposomal AMB marketed formulation. Addition of the AHCC® supplement significantly improved e_cacy in terms of burden reduction and survival increase of both oral and intravenous AMB therapies compared to the untreated control group. Moreover, a protective e_ect of the extract was observed in terms of weight loss. Regarding the cytokine profiles, the Th1 immune response was stimulated in treated animals when compared to the control group. This response was marked by an enhancement in the MCP-1, GM-CSF, VEGF, RANTES and IL-17 levels and a decrease in the IL-6, a biomarker related to the severity of the infection.
Personalised 3D Printed Medicines: Optimising Material Properties for Successful Passive Diffusion Loading of Filaments for Fused Deposition Modelling of Solid Dosage Forms
(MDPI, 2020-04-11) Cerda, Jose R.; Arifi, Talaya; Ayyoubi, Sejad; Knief, Peter; Ballesteros Papantonakis, María de la Paloma; Keeble, William; Barbu, Eugen; Healy, Anne Marie; Lalatsa, Aikaterini; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
Although not readily accessible yet to many community and hospital pharmacists, fuse deposition modelling (FDM) is a 3D printing technique that can be used to create a 3D pharmaceutical dosage form by employing drug loaded filaments extruded via a nozzle, melted and deposited layer by layer. FDM requires printable filaments, which are commonly manufactured by hot melt extrusion, and identifying a suitable extrudable drug-excipient mixture can sometimes be challenging. We propose here the use of passive diffusion as an accessible loading method for filaments that can be printed using FDM technology to allow for the fabrication of oral personalised medicines in clinical settings. Utilising Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) and the concept of HSP distances (Ra) between drug, solvent, and filament, we have developed a facile pre-screening tool for the selection of the optimal combination that can provide a high drug loading (a high solvent-drug Ra, >10, and an intermediate solvent filament Ra value, ~10). We have identified that other parameters such as surface roughness and stiffness also play a key role in enhancing passive diffusion of the drug into the filaments. A predictive model for drug loading was developed based on Support Vector Machine (SVM) regression and indicated a strong correlation between both Ra and filament stiffness and the diffusion capacity of a model BCS Class II drug, nifedipine (NFD), into the filaments. A drug loading, close to 3% w/w, was achieved. 3D printed tablets prepared using a PVA-derived filament (Hydrosupport, 3D Fuel) showed promising characteristics in terms of dissolution (with a sustained release over 24 h) and predicted chemical stability (>3 years at 25 ◦C/60% relative humidity), similar to commercially available NFD oral dosage forms. We believe FDM coupled with passive diffusion could be implemented easily in clinical settings for the manufacture of tailored personalised medicines, which can be stored over long periods of time (similar to industrially manufactured solid dosage forms).
Evaluating the Potential of Ursolic Acid as Bioproduct for Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis
(MDPI, 2020-03-19) Bilbao Ramos, Pablo Estanislao; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios; Ruiz Saldaña, Helga Karina; Torrado Durán, Juan José; Bolás Fernández, Francisco; Dea Ayuela, María Auxiliadora
Leishmaniasis affects around 12 million people worldwide and is estimated to cause the ninth-largest disease burden. There are three main forms of the disease, visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL), and mucocutaneous (MCL), leading to more than one million new cases every year and several thousand deaths. Current treatments based on chemically synthesized molecules are far from ideal. In this study, we have tested the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of ursolic acid (UA), a multifunctional triterpenoid with well-known antitumoral, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects on different Leishmania strains. The in vitro antileishmanial activity against the intracellular forms was six and three-fold higher compared to extracellular forms of L. amazonensis and L. infantum, respectively. UA also showed to be a potent antileishmanial drug against both VL and CL manifestations of the disease in experimental models. UA parenterally administered at 5 mg/kg for seven days significantly reduced the parasite burden in liver and spleen not only in murine acute infection but also in a chronic-infection model against L. infantum. In addition, UA ointment (0.2%) topically administered for four weeks diminished (50%) lesion size progression in a chronic infection model of CL caused by L. amazonensis, which was much greater than the effect of UA formulated as an O/W emulsion. UA played a key role in the immunological response modulating the Th1 response. The exposure of Leishmania-infected macrophages to UA led to a significant different production in the cytokine levels depending on the Leishmania strain causing the infection. In conclusion, UA can be a promising therapy against both CL and VL.
Repurposing Butenafine as An Oral Nanomedicine for Visceral Leishmaniasis
(MDPI, 2019-07-20) Bezerra-Souza, Adriana; Fernandez-Garcia, Raquel; Rodrigues, Gabriela F.; Bolás Fernández, Francisco; Dalastra Laurenti, Marcia; Passero, Luiz Felipe; Lalatsa, Aikaterini; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease a_ecting more than 12 million people worldwide, which in its visceral clinical form (VL) is characterised by the accumulation of parasites in the liver and spleen, and can lead to death if not treated. Available treatments are not well tolerated due to severe adverse e_ects, need for parenteral administration and patient hospitalisation, and long duration of expensive treatments. These treatment realities justify the search for new e_ective drugs, repurposing existing licensed drugs towards safer and non-invasive cost-e_ective medicines for VL. In this work, we provide proof of concept studies of butenafine and butenafine self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (B-SNEDDS) against Leishmania infantum. Liquid B-SNEDDS were optimised using design of experiments, and then were spray-dried onto porous colloidal silica carriers to produce solid-B-SNEDDS with enhanced flow properties and drug stability. Optimal liquid B-SNEDDS consisted of Butenafine:Capryol 90:Peceol:Labrasol (3:49.5:24.2:23.3 w/w), which were then sprayed-dried with Aerosil 200 with a final 1:2 (Aerosil:liquid B-SNEDDS w/w) ratio. Spray-dried particles exhibited near-maximal drug loading, while maintaining excellent powder flow properties (angle of repose <10_) and sustained release in acidic gastrointestinal media. Solid-B-SNEDDS demonstrated greater selectivity index against promastigotes and L. infantum-infected amastigotes than butenafine alone. Developed oral solid nanomedicines enable the non-invasive and safe administration of butenafine as a cost-e_ective and readily scalable repurposed medicine for VL.
Understanding Direct Powder Extrusion for Fabrication of 3D Printed Personalised Medicines: A Case Study for Nifedipine Minitablets
(MDPI, 2021-09-29) Sánchez Guirales, Sergio A.; Jurado, Noelia; Kara, Aytug; Lalatsa, Aikaterini; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
Fuse deposition modelling (FDM) has emerged as a novel technology for manufacturing 3D printed medicines. However, it is a two-step process requiring the fabrication of filaments using a hot melt extruder with suitable properties prior to printing taking place, which can be a rate-limiting step in its application into clinical practice. Direct powder extrusion can overcome the difficulties encountered with fabrication of pharmaceutical-quality filaments for FDM, allowing the manufacturing, in a single step, of 3D printed solid dosage forms. In this study, we demonstrate the manufacturing of small-weight (<100 mg) solid dosage forms with high drug loading (25%) that can be easily undertaken by healthcare professionals to treat hypertension. 3D printed nifedipine minitablets containing 20 mg were manufactured by direct powder extrusion combining 15% polyethylene glycol 4000 Da, 40% hydroxypropyl cellulose, 19% hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate, and 1% magnesium stearate. The fabricated 3D printed minitablets of small overall weight did not disintegrate during dissolution and allowed for controlled drug release over 24 h, based on erosion. This release profile of the printed minitablets is more suitable for hypertensive patients than immediate-release tablets that can lead to a marked burst effect, triggering hypotension. The small size of the minitablet allows it to fit inside of a 0-size capsule and be combined with other minitablets, of other API, for the treatment of complex diseases requiring polypharmacy within a single dosage form.
Development of Advanced 3D-Printed Solid Dosage Pediatric Formulations for HIV Treatment
(MPDI, 2022-03-31) Malebari, Azizah M.; Kara, Aytug; Khayyat, Ahdab N.; Mohammad, Khadijah A.; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
The combination of lopinavir/ritonavir remains one of the first-line therapies for the initial antiretroviral regimen in pediatric HIV-infected children. However, the implementation of this recommendation has faced many challenges due to cold-chain requirements, high alcohol content, and unpalatability for ritonavir-boosted lopinavir syrup. In addition, the administration of crushed tablets has shown a detriment for the oral bioavailability of both drugs. Therefore, there is a clinical need to develop safer and better formulations adapted to children’s needs. This work has demonstrated, for the first time, the feasibility of using direct powder extrusion 3D printing to manufacture personalized pediatric HIV dosage forms based on 6 mm spherical tablets. H-bonding between drugs and excipients (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polyethylene glycol) resulted in the formation of amorphous solid dispersions with a zero-order sustained release profile, opposite to the commercially available formulation Kaletra, which exhibited marked drug precipitation at the intestinal pH.
Targeting lung macrophages for fungal and parasitic pulmonary infections with innovative amphotericin B dry powder inhalers
(Elsevier, 2023-03-25) de Pablo, E; O'Connell, Peter; Fernández García, Raquel; Marchand, Sandrine; Chauzy, A.; Tewes, F; Dea Ayuela, María Auxiliadora; Kumar, D.; Bolás Fernández, Francisco; Ballesteros Papantonakis, Paloma; Torrado Durán, Juan José; Healy, Anne Marie; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
The incidence of fungal pulmonary infections is known to be on the increase, and yet there is an alarming gap in terms of marketed antifungal therapies that are available for pulmonary administration. Amphotericin B (AmB) is a highly efficient broad-spectrum antifungal only marketed as an intravenous formulation. Based on the lack of effective antifungal and antiparasitic pulmonary treatments, the aim of this study was to develop a carbohydrate-based AmB dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation, prepared by spray drying. Amorphous AmB microparticles were developed by combining 39.7% AmB with 39.7% γ-cyclodextrin, 8.1% mannose and 12.5% leucine. An increase in the mannose concentration from 8.1 to 29.8%, led to partial drug crystallisation. Both formulations showed good in vitro lung deposition characteristics (80% FPF< 5 µm and MMAD < 3 µm) at different air flow rates (60 and 30 L/min) when used with a DPI, but also during nebulisation upon reconstitution in water.
Toxicology of Blister Agents: Is Melatonin a Potential Therapeutic Option?
(MDPI, 2021-04-10) Romero Martínez, Manuel Alejandro; Ramos Alonso, Eva; López Muñoz, Francisco; Ríos, Cristóbal de los; Egea, Javier; Gil Martín, Emilio; Pita Pita, Rene; Torrado Durán, Juan José; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios; Juberias, Antonio
Blister or vesicant chemical warfare agents (CWAs) have been widely used in different military conflicts, including World War I and the Iran-Iraq War. However, their mechanism of action is not fully understood. Sulfur and nitrogen mustard exert toxic effects not only through the alkylation of thiol-bearing macromolecules, such as DNA and proteins, but also produce free radicals that can develop direct toxic effects in target organs such as the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. The lack of effective treatments against vesicant CWAs-induced injury makes us consider, in this complex scenario, the use and development of melatonin-based therapeutic strategies. This multifunctional indoleamine could facilitate neutralization of the oxidative stress, modulate the inflammatory response, and prevent the DNA damage, as well as the long-term health consequences mediated by vesicant CWAs-induced epigenetic mechanisms. In this context, it would be essential to develop new galenic formulations for the use of orally and/or topically applied melatonin for the prophylaxis against vesicant CWAs, as well as the development of post-exposure treatments in the near future.
Can Amphotericin B and Itraconazole be co-delivered orally? Tailoring Oral Fixed-Dose Combination Coated Granules for Systemic Mycoses
(Elsevier, 2023-02) Fernández García, Raquel; Walsh, David; O'Connell, Peter; Slowing Barillas, Karla Verónica; Raposo González, Rafaela; Ballesteros Papantonakis, Paloma; JImenez-Cebrian, Aurora; Chamorro Sancho, Manuel J.; Bolás Fernández, Francisco; Healy, Anne Marie; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
The incidence and prevalence of invasive fungal infections have increased significantly over the last few years, leading to a global health problem due to the lack of effective treatments. Amphotericin B (AmB) and itraconazole (ITR) are two antifungal drugs with different mechanisms of action. In this work, AmB and ITR have been formulated within granules to elicit an enhanced pharmacological effect, while enhancing the oral bioavailability of AmB. A Quality by Design (QbD) approach was utilised to prepare fixed-dose combination (FDC) granules consisting of a core containing AmB with functional excipients, such as inulin, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), chitosan, sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) and Soluplus® and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), coated with a polymeric layer containing ITR with Soluplus® or a combination of Poloxamer 188 and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-acetyl succinate (HPMCAS). A Taguchi designs of experiments (DoE) with 7 factors and 2 levels was carried out to understand the key factors impacting on the physicochemical properties of the formulation followed by a Box-Behnken design with 3 factors in 3 levels chosen to optimise the formulation parameters. The core of the FDC granules was obtained by wet granulation and later coated using a fluidized bed. In vitro antifungal efficacy was demonstrated by measuring the inhibition halo against different species of Candida spp., including C. albicans (24.19-30.48 mm), C. parapsilosis (26.38-27.84 mm) and C. krusei (11.48-17.92 mm. AmB release was prolonged from 3 to 24 hours when the AmB granules were coated. In vivo in CD-1 male mice studies showed that these granules were more selective towards liver, spleen and lung compared to kidney (up to 5-fold more selective in liver, with an accumulation of 8.07 µg AmB/g liver after twice-daily 5 days administration of F2), resulting in an excellent oral administration option in the treatment of invasive mycosis. Nevertheless, some biochemical alterations were found, including a decrease in blood urea nitrogen (~17 g/dl) and alanine aminotransferase (<30 U/l) and an increase in the levels of bilirubin (~0.2 mg/dl) and alkaline phosphatase (<80 U/l), which could be indicative of a liver failure. Once-daily regimen for 10 days can be a promising therapy.
Personalised 3D Printed Medicines: Which Techniques and Polymers Are More Successful?
(MDPI, 2017-09-22) Konta, Andrea Alice; García Piña, Marta; Serrano López, Dolores Remedios
The interindividual variability is an increasingly global problem when treating patients from different backgrounds with diverse customs, metabolism, and necessities. Dose adjustment is frequently based on empirical methods, and therefore, the chance of undesirable side effects to occur is high. Three-dimensional (3D) Printed medicines are revolutionsing the pharmaceutical market as potential tools to achieve personalised treatments adapted to the specific requirements of each patient, taking into account their age, weight, comorbidities, pharmacogenetic, and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Additive manufacturing or 3D printing consists of a wide range of techniques classified in many categories but only three of them are mostly used in the 3D printing of medicines: printing-based inkjet systems, nozzle-based deposition systems, and laser-based writing systems. There are several drawbacks when using each technique and also the type of polymers readily available do not always possess the optimal properties for every drug. The aim of this review is to give an overview about the current techniques employed in 3D printing medicines, highlighting their advantages, disadvantages, along with the polymer and drug requirements for a successful printing. The major application of these techniques will be also discussed.