Current issues in pharmacy and medicine: science and practice

Current research trends of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives biological activity (literature review)

I. M. Bilai, V. I. Dariy, A. V. Khilkovets, A. I. Bilai — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The relevance of searching for new active compounds among 1,2,4-triazole derivatives is determined by their potential effectiveness in treating various diseases such as cancer, inflammation, microbial infections, and antioxidant disorders. Studies show that these compounds can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrate activity against pathogenic microorganisms, and neutralize free radicals, which is important for preventing oxidative stress. Therefore, the study of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives may lead to the development of new effective drugs, which is extremely relevant in modern medicine.

The aim of the work is to summarize recent scientific advances in the study of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives, particularly their antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and antioxidant activity, to substantiate their potential as multifunctional therapeutic agents in modern medicine.

Results. The literature review confirmed that 1,2,4-triazole derivatives exhibit significant biological activity across various therapeutic areas. Studies revealed high antitumor efficacy of hybrid compounds, particularly the derivative 5-((4-(6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)methyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol, which demonstrated notable activity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), as confirmed by DFT and molecular docking methods. In antimicrobial therapy, derivatives combined with norfloxacin showed higher efficacy compared to standard antibiotics against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while maintaining good biocompatibility. Research on anticonvulsant properties found that 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives effectively interact with the GABA-A receptor, outperforming the standard drug phenytoin in in vivo models. In anti-inflammatory studies, compounds containing a 1,3,4-thiadiazine fragment achieved 91 % inhibition of edema, surpassing ibuprofen (82 %), and reduced key inflammatory biomarkers. The antioxidant properties of brominated [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine derivatives were particularly pronounced, with maximum activity observed at a concentration of 150 μg/mL. These results highlight the broad therapeutic potential of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives, making them promising candidates for the development of novel drugs to combat oncological, infectious, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as for oxidative stress prevention.

Conclusions. 1,2,4-Triazole derivatives exhibit a wide range of biological activity, including antifungal, antimicrobial, anticancer, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This indicates their potential as versatile agents for the treatment of various diseases.

The relevance of creating a new combination drug for the treatment of cognitive disorders

L. I. Kucherenko, V. H. Slobodianyk — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Cognitive impairment is one of the most pressing problems of modern medicine, as its prevalence is steadily increasing worldwide. This trend is due to several global factors, including population aging, urbanization, the spread of chronic diseases, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress and social factors play a special role in the growth of cognitive disorders, which in recent years have significantly increased their impact on the population. In Ukraine, the problem of cognitive disorders has become even more acute due to socio-economic challenges and the consequences of the military aggression of the Russian Federation. Constant stress, loss of loved ones, forced displacement and a general sense of danger significantly affect cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration and planning ability. Understanding the basic mechanisms of the development of cognitive disorders is key to developing effective therapeutic approaches. Current research demonstrates that key pathogenetic factors include neurodegeneration, vascular disorders, metabolic dysfunction, and the effects of chronic stress. This emphasizes the need to develop new combination drugs that could comprehensively affect several pathogenetic links.

Aim. Analysis and systematization of current data on the mechanisms of development of cognitive disorders, as well as determination, based on the results of the analysis, of the most promising directions for the development of new drugs aimed at restoring and supporting cognitive functions.

Materials and methods. Data from sources of professional literature presented in international bibliographic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Chemical Abstracts) were used as the object of research. Methods of system analysis and information search were used. In the process of work, a bibliosemantic approach was used to analyze the relationship between key topics and research areas, as well as descriptive and generalized analysis methods to form conclusions about the current state and promising directions for the development of drugs for the treatment of cognitive disorders.

Results. Trend analysis showed a significant increase in cases of cognitive disorders both in the world and in Ukraine, which is associated with global factors of population aging, stress factors and neurodegenerative diseases. In Ukraine, this problem is exacerbated by socio-economic conditions and the consequences of armed aggression. Key mechanisms of cognitive disorders have been established, including neurodegeneration, vascular disorders and metabolic dysfunction. Based on these data, the prospects for the development of a new combined drug containing sodium succinate and dimethylaminoethanol for an effective impact on pathogenetic mechanisms, improving neuroprotection and supporting cognitive functions have been determined.

Conclusions. The review of current scientific literature devoted to the study of the causes of cognitive disorders reflects the current state of research in this area. A few scientific works emphasize the importance of finding more effective approaches to restoring cognitive functions, which emphasizes the high potential for the development of new therapeutic agents. This proves the promise of creating combination drugs that could affect several key mechanisms contributing to the development of cognitive disorders.

The relevance of creating a new combined ophthalmic drug with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects

L. I. Kucherenko, D. V. Okolzin — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In the conditions of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, the number of eye injuries and burns has significantly increased, which is the biggest problem of modern civilian and military medicine. The surface of the eye, constituting only 0.3 % of the total body surface, is extremely sensitive, and it accounts for more than 13 % of all injuries during hostilities. Occupational eye injuries in workers in the agricultural and metallurgical sectors also pose a significant threat. These injuries often lead to serious consequences, including loss of vision or a significant decrease in its functions. In addition, due to hostilities, the number of such injuries and burns has significantly increased, and the medical system is facing new challenges in the treatment of eye injuries. In such difficult circumstances, there is an urgent need to create new combined ophthalmic drugs for the treatment of injuries and burns of the organs of vision. Therefore, it is necessary to develop drugs with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, since infections and inflammation that occur after injuries are one of the main complications that can significantly worsen the prognosis of treatment and lead to vision loss.

Aim. Substantiation of the need to develop a new combined drug for ophthalmology that causes anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Materials and methods. Data from sources of professional literature presented in international bibliographic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Chemical Abstracts) were used as the object of research. Methods of systematic analysis and information search were used. In the process of work, a bibliosemantic approach was used to analyze the relationship between key topics and areas of research, as well as methods of descriptive and generalized analysis.

Results. The article analyzes the current state of the pharmaceutical market of ophthalmic drugs, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents. The mechanism of action and features of the use of the main groups of drugs are considered in detail: antibiotics (chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, gentamicin, tobramycin, erythromycin, moxifloxacin), sulfonamides (sulfatamide), antiseptics (miramistin) and anti-inflammatory drugs (glucocorticoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Conclusions. It was found that with a wide range of available drugs, their therapeutic effect often remains insufficient in complex eye injuries, especially those received during combat operations. Most of available drugs are aimed at treating standard inflammatory processes or certain types of infections, while complex combat injuries require greater pharmacological action and diverse therapy. The need to develop a new combined drug with simultaneous anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects is substantiated. Such drug should provide an effect on several pathogenetic mechanisms, which will reduce the healing of eye tissues, reduce the risk of infectious complications and disability in victims of military operations and accidents in workers in the agricultural and metallurgical sectors.

Study of anticonvulsant properties of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives and prospects for their use in pharmacy

N. M. Borysenko, V. V. Parchenko, I. V. Bushuieva, O. K. Yerenko — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Anticonvulsant drugs (antiepileptic drugs) are a group of medications used to treat epilepsy and to control other disorders associated with seizures or convulsive episodes. The choice of a particular drug depends on the type of seizure, the patient’s age, comorbidities, and possible side effects. Treatment with these drugs requires constant medical monitoring to achieve optimal impact and to minimize risks. Therefore, solving the problem of creating new original medicines with minimal adverse effects remains an urgent task, with theoretical and practical justification.

The aim of the work was to analyze and summarize the world achievements in recent years in the study of anticonvulsant properties of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives and to prove the need and feasibility of further research in the chosen direction of scientific research.

Materials and methods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using a range of scientometric databases indexing peer-reviewed sources in the fields of biomedicine, chemistry, and pharmacology, including PubMed, SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. To achieve this goal, theoretical methods were used: information search, review, comparison, generalization. Additionally, combined search queries using logical operators such as AND, OR, NOT were used to narrow or expand the search results. For example, the query “1,2,4-triazole AND anticonvulsant activity” found publications discussing the anticonvulsant properties of these compounds.

Results. The studies described in this work indicate the significant potential of S-derivatives of 5-(furan-2-yl)-4R₁-1,2,4-triazol-3-thiones as anticonvulsants, considering the preliminary results of theoretical computer prediction, as well as the establishment of regularities between the structure of the synthesized compounds and their anticonvulsant effect. Experimental studies have shown that the two compounds exhibit anticonvulsant activity and are similar to Mydocalm in terms of the strength of their pharmacological effect. It was found that the anticonvulsant activity of 2-[5-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio]-1-(4-chlorophenylethanone) exceeds the effectiveness of comparison drugs, such as Mydocalm and phenobarbital, by 1.23 and 1.27 times, respectively, when using the corazole model of seizures in rats. The team of authors managed to synthesize several new 7-substituted-5-phenyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines through the inclusion of a triazole fragment in the pyrimidine ring, which is expected to have a synergistic effect in the treatment patients with epilepsy.

Conclusions. 1,2,4-triazole derivatives are of considerable interest for the development of new drugs with anticonvulsant activity, which can act through several molecular mechanisms. Thus, the analysis of scientific sources can suggest strategies for expanding.

Comprehensive rehabilitation of cancer patients: the role of pharmaceutical support in the recovery process

O. H. Aleksieiev, V. V. Chemyrysov, Yu. Yu. Sizintsova, D. Yu. Tarnavska — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The current implementation of complex rehabilitation of cancer patients involves various types of rehabilitation that may interact with each other. For effective comprehensive treatment of cancer patients, it is important to carry out rehabilitation approaches from the very beginning, comprehensively, systematically and according to an individual scheme for a specific patient. Comprehensive rehabilitation includes a whole complex of therapeutic and rehabilitation treatments. The choice of rehabilitation depends on the type and severity of illness, physiological characteristics of the body, test results and doctor’s recommendations, as well as a number of other medical aspects. Comprehensive rehabilitation is necessary not only to prevent relapses of swelling illness and to neutralize the complications of standard treatment, but also to improve the quality of life of such patients, their active life in the homeland, integration in the family life. The above is aimed at providing cancer patients with individual rehabilitation programs (IRPs) not only for the duration of their stay in specialized medical institutions, but also for longer-term recovery in rehabilitation centers.

The aim: analysis of modern problems of complex rehabilitation of cancer patients.

Materials and methods. The search for information sources was conducted using official databases of Ukrainian legal and regulatory acts, as well as current documents within the legislative and normative framework in the fields of healthcare, medical rehabilitation, and social policy. Priority was given to sources governing the provision of medical care to oncology patients, the organization of rehabilitation processes, and the implementation of individualized rehabilitation programs. During the work, the method of analysis, comparison, synthesis, generalization, explanation and classification were used.

Results. Study of the problems of complex rehabilitation of cancer patients. First of all, the identification of this rehabilitation as the main and necessary for the prevention of relapses of the disease and improvement of this type patient’s quality of life. A certain classification of patients by clinical groups was carried out and a conclusion was made that comprehensive rehabilitation should correspond to each group of clinical cases.

Conclusions. The analysis of current issues in the comprehensive rehabilitation of oncology patients confirms that rehabilitation is a key component of social policy, as it enables individuals to participate fully in social life and apply their skills and knowledge in the labor market. Furthermore, the implementation of such measures contributes to a reduction in disability rates, thereby positively influencing the socio-economic development of society.

4-phenyl-5-((pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol as a platform for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides

Yu. V. Karpenko, M. O. Panasenko — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article discusses effective methods for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides, which are important in the development of new bioactive molecules, pharmaceuticals, and materials for bioconjugation and systemic release.

The aim of the work is to develop a method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides of 4-phenyl-5-((pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols under mild conditions, with high selectivity and wide tolerance to functional groups, including the disulfide fragment as a promising structural framework for the development of new active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Materials and methods. ¹H NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker AC-500 spectrometer (500 MHz) in DMSO-d₆. Elemental analysis (C, H, N, S) was performed using an ELEMENTAR vario EL cube. Melting points were determined using the capillary method.

Results. A new strategy for the synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides of 4-phenyl-5-((pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols using 1-chlorobenzotriazole has been developed, providing high product yields and selective transformation. This method does not require low temperatures and demonstrates high compatibility with various functional groups, allowing easy modification of molecules and further research potential. Spectral data confirm the structure of the obtained compounds and indicate the formation of stable disulfide bonds.

Conclusions. The synthesis of new unsymmetrical disulfides of 4-phenyl-5-((pyrimidin-2-ylthio)methyl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols was successfully carried out under mild conditions using 1-chlorobenzotriazole as a selective reagent, resulting in high yields and good tolerance to functional groups. Their structural similarity to natural antioxidants such as cystine and allicin makes them promising model compounds for further studies of the mechanisms of redox activity and the development of new drugs to regulate oxidative stress.

Chromatography-mass spectrometric study of the chemical composition of Myrtus communis L. leaf essential oil

O. Ye. Matsehorova, V. M. Odyntsova — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Myrtus communis is a common species in tropical and subtropical regions. Myrtle is cultivated as an ornamental plant in areas with a temperate climate, such as Ukraine. It was introduced to the Nikitskyi Botanical Garden in 1967. The pharmacological properties of galenic preparations derived from Myrtus communis are primarily determined by the presence of essential oils. Galenic preparations from myrtle leaves have general tonic, antimicrobial (notably demonstrating high bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria and antibiotic and resistant strains, Mycobacterium tuberculosis), analgesic, astringent, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory effects. For a comprehensive study of this plant, it is essential to investigate the volatile fractions of its raw material.

The aim of the work is to conduct a chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of the chemical composition of Myrtus communis L. leaf essential oil.

Materials and methods. The object of the study is the essential oil of Myrtus communis, cultivated at the Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Botany of Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, and obtained through hydrodistillation. Qualitative and quantitative determination of the essential oil components was carried out using the chromatography-mass spectrometric method on a high-performance gas chromatograph “Agilent 7890B GC System” (Agilent, SantaClara, CA, USA) with a mass spectrometric detector “Agilent 5977 BGC/MSD” (Agilent, SantaClara, CA, USA) and a DB-5ms chromatographic column (30 m × 250 μm × 0.25 μm). The component identification was performed using the NIST14 mass spectral library.

Results. Chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of 42 key volatile compounds in Myrtus communis leaf essential oil, three of which were in isomeric forms. The five major components were myrtenyl acetate (24.12 %), linalool (16.73 %), cyclofenchene (10.37 %), o-xylene (7.85 %) and myrtenol (4.35 %). Terpenes were identified as the dominant group in Myrtus communis leaves, comprising 72.04 %.

Conclusions. The chemical composition of Myrtus communis leaf essential oil showed some differences compared to literature data that deal with geographical features (temperature, soil quality, day length), harvesting time and genotype variations. The research findings can serve as a basis for developing new pharmaceutical and cosmetic products containing myrtle essential oil. Besides, the analysis of the chemical composition of the essential oil can contribute to improving extraction technology and standardizing essential oils.

Structure and antibacterial activity relationship of quercetin and rutin against test and clinical resistant gramm-negative strains of bacteria

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Today, antimicrobial resistance is the number one problem worldwide. According to the latest data, it has found that Acinetobacter baumani, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiela pneumonia and Enterobacter cloacae are predominant among all isolated resistant pathogens. So, the search of a new antibacterial drug that can deal with antimicrobial resistance is task number one.

Aim. The study aimed to investigate theoretical and practical relationship of structure and antibacterial activity of quercetin and rutin against test Gram-negative strains: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and clinical resistant strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae.

Materials and methods. The research subjects were quercetin and rutin. The theoretical research was carried out using AutoDockTools 1.5.6; antibacterial effects were evaluated by the well method. Clinical strain of P. aeruginosa, A. baumani, K. pneumonia, E. cloacea were taken from tracheal aspirate and bronchoalveolar lavage.

Results. Theoretical studies showed that none of the investigated antimicrobial drugs inhibit all “targets” mechanism of antibacterial action. Rutin revealed high selectivity to DNA-gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), deacetylase, AHS RhI, Diguanylate cyclase, unlike quercetin which revealed low selectivity. Experimental research demonstrated that against P. aeruginosa rutin and quercetin inhibited growth – 17.0 ± 0.4 mm and 18.0 ± 0.4 mm, against P. vulgaris – 14.0 ± 0.5 mm and 16.0 ± 0.5 mm, against E. coli – 16.0 ± 0.5 mm and 20.0 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. Resistant strain of P. aeruginosa, E. cloacea, A. baumani, K. pneumonia were sensitive to the action of rutin – 23.0 ± 0.3 mm, 25.0 ± 0.2 mm, 24.0 ± 0.3 mm, 23.0 ± 0.3 mm, respectively, while to the action of quercetin resistant strain were low sensitive – 12.0 ± 0.6 mm, 14.0 ± 0.5 mm, 12.0 ± 0.6 mm, 12.0 ± 0.6 mm, respectively.

Conclusions. Theoretical studies of “standard” antimicrobial drugs used in infectious disease treatment protocols are not highly selective inhibitors of “target” antibacterial mechanisms of gram-negative bacteria, unlike rutin, which turned out to be a highly selective inhibitor. According to the results of the theoretical study, it was found that the potential antibacterial activity of rutin exceeds the effect of quercetin by two times. This pattern is fully confirmed by in vitro studies, where the antibacterial effect of rutin against resistant strains was also two times higher.

Evaluation of the pharmacological potential of N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)benzamides

S. O. Fedotov, A. S. Hotsulia — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The rational design of new biologically active compounds is based on the use of effective structural fragments, capable of ensuring high biosimilarity, favorable pharmacokinetic properties and an appropriate safety profile. Among them, 1,2,4-triazole and indole cores occupy a special place, being widely represented in pharmacologically active molecules due to their ability to participate in various types of molecular interactions. The combination of 1,2,4-triazole and indole fragments within a single molecule promotes the creation of conjugated systems with potentially multifunctional activity, thereby expanding the opportunities for the discovery of new therapeutic agents. Early-stage computer-based prediction of toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties remains a key strategy for optimizing the screening process. The application of in silico methods allows timely assessment of the safety, ADME profile and biological potential of compounds prior to experimental investigations.

Aim. This study aimed to perform an in silico assessment of the toxicological properties, ADME parameters, and molecular docking profiles of newly designed compounds belonging to the N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo-[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)benzamide series, in order to substantiate their synthesis and guide further experimental validation.

Materials and methods. Molecular structure design for in silico studies was guided by a critical analysis of the scientific literature and fundamental principles of organic chemistry, allowing the rational incorporation of established pharmacophoric elements into compact molecular frameworks. Safety profiles and potential toxicological risks were predicted using the TEST (Toxicity Estimation Software Tool) platform. Physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetic behaviors were evaluated through the SwissADME online resource. Advanced molecular docking techniques were employed to identify potential binding sites with model enzymes and to characterize the energetic and spatial features of ligand-target interactions. Ligand structures were generated using MarvinSketch 6.3.0, HyperChem 8, and AutoDock Tools 1.5.6, while protein targets were prepared with Discovery Studio 4.0 and AutoDock Tools 1.5.6. Docking simulations were conducted with AutoDock Vina, enabling accurate modeling of ligand-protein binding based on energetic and steric complementarity. This integrative in silico approach facilitated the early-stage evaluation of biological potential and safety profiles prior to experimental validation.

Results. The investigated N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo-[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)benzamide derivatives exhibited statistically significant moderate to low toxicity towards aquatic organisms (Daphnia magna, Pimephales promelas) and lacked mutagenic potential. The predicted oral toxicity values (LD₅₀) in rats ranged from 470 mg/kg to 990 mg/kg, indicating a relatively safe profile for the compounds. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed high aromaticity, a low degree of carbon bond saturation, and variable water solubility among the studied compounds. The most favorable properties were observed for 2-bromo-4-fluoro-N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]-indol-2-yl)methyl)benzamide, 2-bromo-N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo-[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)benzamide, 4-fluoro-N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)benzamide and N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)-thiophene-2-carboxamide. These compounds were identified as the most promising candidates for further synthesis and biological evaluation.

Conclusions. Computer modeling demonstrated that a series of designed N-((5-phenyl-6,11-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[1’,5’:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indol-2-yl)methyl)-benzamide derivatives is characterized by a relatively safe toxicological profile, absence of mutagenic potential and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Based on comprehensive in silico evaluation, four compounds exhibiting the most promising characteristics in terms of safety and potential bioactivity are recommended for further experimental studies.

Spectrophotometric determination of meloxicam in medicinal products

S. O. Vasyuk, A. S. Korzhova — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aim. To develop and validate methods for spectrophotometric determination of meloxicam in drugs by reaction with diazole red 2G.

Materials and methods. The following was used to perform the experiment: meloxicam substance pharmacopoeial purity; pharmaceutical drugs – “Meloxicam” tablets 0.0075 g, “Meloxicam” tablets 0.015 g, “Meloxicam-Teva” solution for injection 15 mg / 1.5 ml; as reagent – diazole red 2G of a reagent grade purity; solvents – 1,4-dioxane of a reagent grade purity and purified water; analytical equipment – spectrophotometer Specord-200 (Analytic Jena AG, Germany), scales laboratory electronic RADWAG XA 210.4Y, bath ultrasonic Sonorex Digitec DT100H, laboratory glassware of class A.

Results. New simple spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative determination of meloxicam in pharmaceuticals by reaction with diazole red G have been developed. The absorption maximum is recorded at 350 nm. The basic law of light absorption is followed in the concentration range of 1.2–2.4 mg / 100 ml. The limit of detection is 1.09 μg/ml, indicating a high sensitivity of the reaction. Linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, range of application, precision, accuracy and robustness were determined according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.

Conclusions. As a result of the study, spectrophotometric methods for the quantitative determination of meloxicam in medicinal products were developed and validated. The methods are simple, affordable and comply with the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine, so they can be recommended for use in drug quality control laboratories.

Determination of the shelf life of the API morpholinium 2-((4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetate

A. H. Kaplaushenko, S. O. Vasyuk, A. I. Avramenko, M. Zh. Koichev — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study determined the shelf life of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) morpholinium 2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetate by determining its quantitative storage characteristics.

Aim. The aim of the work was to determine the shelf life of the API morpholinium 2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetate using the accelerated aging method.

Materials and methods. The work used the physicochemical method of accelerated aging, as well as the method of spectrophotometry in the UV region (SPECORD 200-222U214 device) to establish quantitative indicators of the API during its storage, the characteristics of the linear dependence and metrological characteristics of the UV-SF method are given using the method of mathematical statistics. API samples were taken using analytical balances KERN AVT 120-5DM.

Results. It was established that after the completion of the experimental storage period (at 40 °C), which corresponds to a shelf life of two years (storage at room temperature), the active pharmaceutical ingredient, namely the morpholinium salt of 2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetic acid, complies with the requirements of the temporary pharmacopoeial monograph. Based on this, the proposed shelf life in the project is set at two years. Considering that morpholinium 2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetate contains a divalent sulfur atom in its structure, it may be susceptible to oxidation. Therefore, medicinal products based on this API should be stored in a place protected from light.

Conclusions. The study results provide a basis for asserting that morpholinium 2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)acetate can be stored at room temperature for at least two years without loss of quality.

Research of the information security environment of pharmaceutical organizations in the context of the transformation of pharmaceutical practice

N. O. Tkachenko, S. S. Mysiura — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents the results of a study of the information security environment of the pharmaceutical sector (ISEP) amid the transformation of pharmaceutical practice in Ukraine.

The aim of the work was to investigate the classification of ISEP entities based on their affiliation with internal or external environments and to identify the influence of socio-economic characteristics on the perception of these entities by the pharmaceutical community.

Materials and methods. The empirical basis of the study consisted of a survey of 228 pharmaceutical sector specialists, including academic staff, employees of pharmacy establishments, and pharmaceutical companies. The survey was based on a questionnaire developed through a narrative literature review. Statistical analysis included the calculation of Krippendorff’s alpha coefficient to assess the consistency of opinions, bootstrap analysis to test the stability of the results, and the χ²-test to reveal the dependence of classification judgments on the respondents’ professional characteristics.

Results. A generally low level of agreement in the classification of ISEP entities was found, indicating a lack of a unified professional position. The highest level of agreement was demonstrated by academic staff (α = 0.55), whose results served as the basis for the final classification. The χ²-test analysis revealed that the classification significantly depended on respondents’ positions and work experience. The final ISEP model was constructed based on a multilevel assessment approach, considering general percentage evaluations, the stability of opinions within subgroups, and the results provided by academic staff.

Conclusions. The study revealed deep heterogeneity in the perception of ISEP structure among pharmaceutical professionals, highlighting the need to develop a shared understanding of the roles and functions of entities in the digital environment. The obtained data can be utilized to improve management strategies in pharmacy practice and to integrate information security principles at all levels of pharmaceutical care organization.

Assessment of the role and participation of pharmacists in the provision of palliative care

O. I. Panasenko, A. S. Hotsulia, T. P. Zarichna, T. S. Brytanova — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of the study was to investigate the position of pharmacists regarding their place and role in providing palliative care to patients with serious or terminal illnesses.

Materials and methods. The data from a survey of pharmacists from various pharmacies conducted through an online survey in Google Forms were used for the analysis. The results were processed using sociological, systematic and analytical, mathematical and statistical methods and the method of comparative analysis. A total of 51 questionnaires were processed.

Results. The analysis showed that only 8.1 % of pharmacists regularly, and 24.3 % occasionally, face requests for advice on palliative care. At the same time, 70.3 % of respondents admitted that they have insufficient awareness of palliative care. There are certain difficulties: lack of protocols for palliative care, insufficient awareness of communication with palliative patients and their families, limited medical care. Only 2.7 % of respondents received information on this topic during specialized trainings. When counseling palliative care patients, 78.4 % of employees provided recommendations on the dosage and regimen of medications. Their readiness to work with palliative care patients was assessed as average by 51.4 % of the survey participants. It was found that 86.5 % of respondents consider the role of a pharmacist to be additional but important in the palliative care system, while legally insufficiently defined.

Conclusions. Pharmacists recognize their role in palliative care as important, but legally insufficiently defined. The main problems include the lack of protocols, limited medication support, and imperfect preparation for communication with patients and their families. Improving the legislative regulation of the role of pharmacists, organizing specialized training programs, expanding the use of telemedicine and telepharmacy, and improving the supply of medicines can significantly increase the effectiveness of pharmacists in palliative care.

P-selectin and sST2 as prognostic biomarkers of cardiovascular events in patients with multiple myeloma following anticancer therapy and severe COVID-19

B. B. Samura, M. O. Panasenko, T. O. Samura, I. V. Chorna — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study investigates the prognostic value of sST2 and P-selectin as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who are in remission following anticancer therapy and have experienced severe COVID-19. The topic is of increasing clinical relevance due to the growing incidence of cardiovascular complications in this patient population, highlighting the need for reliable tools for early risk stratification.

The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of sST2 and P-selectin levels as markers of cardiovascular events in multiple myeloma patients after COVID-19.

Materials and methods. The study included 125 patients with MM in partial or complete remission. All participants were followed for 12 months, during which cardiovascular events – including myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmias, and heart failure – were recorded. Serum levels of sST2 and P-selectin were measured using ELISA.

Results. Cardiovascular events were observed in 29 (27.1 %) patients. Patients who experienced such events had significantly higher median levels of sST2 (48.6 ng/mL vs. 28.6 ng/mL) and P-selectin (74.1 ng/mL vs. 58.05 ng/mL) compared to those without complications (p < 0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated good diagnostic performance, with an AUC of 0.813 for sST2 and 0.737 for P-selectin. A combined biomarker model (sST2 >28.5 ng/mL and P-selectin >67.0 ng/mL) yielded the highest predictive accuracy.

Conclusions. Elevated serum levels of sST2 and P-selectin are independent predictors of cardiovascular events in patients with MM after severe COVID-19. These findings support the use of a multi-biomarker approach in cardio-oncohematological monitoring to facilitate the early identification of high-risk patients and personalization of therapeutic strategies.