Mariagiovanna Scarpa

Bio: Mariagiovanna Scarpa is an academic researcher from University College London. The author has contributed to research in topics: Orally disintegrating tablet & Dosage form. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 7 publications receiving 226 citations.

Oromucosal films: from patient centricity to production by printing techniques

Abstract: Introduction: Oromucosal films, comprising mucoadhesive buccal films (MBFs) and orodispersible films (ODFs), are considered patient-centric dosage forms. Target groups are patients with special needs. Various active pharmaceutical ingredients have been shown to be suitable for oromucosal film production. A shift is seen in the production techniques, from conventional solvent casting to printing techniques. Areas covered: In this review, the patient acceptability of oromucosal films is discussed. An overview is given of the small molecule drugs, biopharmaceuticals and herbal extracts that have been incorporated so far. Finally, the current state of 2D and 3D printing techniques for production purposes is discussed. Expert opinion: The patient-centric features are important for the further development and acceptance of this oral solid dosage form. Oromucosal films perfectly fit in the current attention for personalized medicine. Both MBFs and ODFs are intended for either a local or a systemic effect. For buccal absorption, sufficient mucoadhesion is one of the most important criteria an oromucosal film must comply with. For the preparation, the solvent casting technique is still predominately used. Some limitations of this production method can be tackled by printing techniques. However, these novel techniques introduce new requirements, yet to be set, for oromucosal film preparation.

Children's Preferences for Oral Dosage Forms and Their Involvement in Formulation Research via EPTRI (European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure).

Abstract: The paucity of evidence-based data on formulation characteristics preferred by the children is known to limit the design of tailored paediatric dosage forms. The European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) commissioned a study to evaluate children's dosage forms perceived preferences in some European countries and explore the feasibility of using the young persons advisory groups (YPAGs) to involve children in formulation research. An online, age-adapted survey was developed and translated into six languages. The survey link was disseminated across seven European countries: Albania, Italy, the Netherlands, and Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Respondents' (n = 1172) perceived preferences for oral dosage forms primarily differed based on age, health status, and experience. Conventional dosage forms, i.e., liquid (35%), tablets (19%), and capsules (14%), were the most selected. Liquid was widely selected by children less than 12 years and by those healthy and taking medicines rarely. Monolithic solid forms were mostly chosen by adolescents and by children with a chronic disease taking medicines frequently. There was a clear lack of familiarity with more novel dosage forms (e.g., orodispersible films and granules). Noteworthy, granules were not appreciated, particularly by adolescents (52.8%). To rationalise the creation of paediatric formulations, it is important to involve children as active stakeholders and to apply tools assessing children's perspectives on medicines to inform acceptable dosage form development from the start.

3D Printing in Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications – Recent Achievements and Challenges

Abstract: Growing demand for customized pharmaceutics and medical devices makes the impact of additive manufacturing increased rapidly in recent years. The 3D printing has become one of the most revolutionary and powerful tool serving as a technology of precise manufacturing of individually developed dosage forms, tissue engineering and disease modeling. The current achievements include multifunctional drug delivery systems with accelerated release characteristic, adjustable and personalized dosage forms, implants and phantoms corresponding to specific patient anatomy as well as cell-based materials for regenerative medicine. This review summarizes the newest achievements and challenges of additive manufacturing in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical research that have been published since 2015. Currently developed techniques of 3D printing are briefly described while comprehensive analysis of extrusion-based methods as the most intensively investigated is provided. The issue of printlets attributes, i.e. shape and size is described with regard to personalized dosage forms and medical devices manufacturing. The undeniable benefits of 3D printing are highlighted, however a critical view resulting from the limitations and challenges of the additive manufacturing is also included. The regulatory issue is pointed as well.