Current issues in pharmacy and medicine: science and practice

Pathogenetic role of apoptosis biomarker expression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and concomitant arterial hypertension: a literature review

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

It is well known that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arterial hypertension (AH) are multifactorial diseases that develop as a result of complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Both internal and external factors can cause the activation of apoptosis, which is considered to be the key factor in the accelerated degradation and death of cells, leading to structural and functional disorders in organs. Apoptosis processes are initiated in the cells of affected organs long before the clinical manifestations of the disease become noticeable. Research and study of the triggering factors and pathobiology of apoptosis in AH and COPD can help to optimise screening programmes for the detection of these diseases in the early preclinical stages and develop new effective targeted treatment regimens based on blocking individual apoptosis pathways in cells.

The aim of the study is to investigate the characteristics of the synthesis, metabolism and regulation of molecules, receptors and ligands involved in apoptosis in patients with COPD and AH.

Materials and methods. For a systematic review of the literature, reviewed scientific articles indexed in leading scientometric databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) were used.

Results. Apoptosis is a complex and multi-component process of programmed cell death. It has been proven that the processes of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells, bronchial epithelial cells, and smooth muscle cells of the vascular and bronchial walls are significantly accelerated and scaled up in conditions of comorbid COPD and AH. Various molecules, ligands, and receptors are involved in the cascade of apoptotic changes, namely caspases 3, 7, 8, and 9, active forms of oxygen, calcium-dependent proteases, cytochrome C, parkin-4, Bcl-2 family proteins, apoptosis-related protein activator factor 1 (APAF-1), heat shock proteins, tumour necrosis factor, Fas ligand, Bax and p53 proteins, and soluble messenger proteins such as MFG-E8.

Conclusions. There is a correlation between the dynamics of markers of apoptotic processes on the one hand and the severity of respiratory and haemodynamic disorders in COPD comorbidity with AH on the other. A detailed study of the mechanisms of initiation and regulation of neutrophil apoptosis involving cysteine proteases and other markers of apoptosis in patients with comorbid COPD and AH is a promising area of current research. Such data may form the basis for the correction of therapeutic regimens and allow for the optimisation of treatment.

Pharmacological study of thick extracts from the aerial parts of Valeriana species

V. I. Kokitko, V. M. Odyntsova — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The aerial parts of Valeriana collina and Valeriana stolonifera are considered a promising source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and hepatoprotective properties; however, their pharmacological characteristics have not been sufficiently studied.

The aim of the work. To comprehensively evaluate the antimicrobial / antifungal potential, acute toxicity, and hepatoprotective activity of thick extracts from the herbs of V. collina and V. stolonifera.

Materials and methods. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the agar diffusion method (well method). Acute toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats according to OECD guidelines. Hepatoprotective activity was studied in a paracetamol-induced hepatitis model by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels; silymarin was used as the reference drug.

Results. Both extracts exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity; V. stolonifera was more effective against P. aeruginosa (p = 0.0113), while V. collina showed higher activity against C. albicans (p = 0.0080). Both samples were classified as low-toxicity (GHS Category 5). In the hepatitis model, V. stolonifera significantly reduced ALT, AST, and ALP levels, being not inferior – and in the case of ALP, superior – to silymarin.

Conclusions. Both thick extracts of V. collina and V. stolonifera demonstrated pronounced antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as C. albicans. V. stolonifera was more effective against P. aeruginosa, whereas V. collina showed higher activity against C. albicans. These differences may be associated with variations in the ratios of biologically active compounds within the extracts, supporting the need for further chemical and pharmacological studies to elucidate mechanisms of action. A 20 % aqueous solution of the thick extract of V. collina administered intragastrically can be classified as toxicity class 5, with an LD₅₀ ranging from 2000–5000 mg/kg. The solution of the thick extract of V. stolonifera caused no mortality in rats, classifying it as a substance with low acute toxicity (GHS Category 5, LD₅₀ ≥5000 mg/kg). Further testing of the studied samples is not recommended unless specifically required for regulatory purposes. The studied valerian extracts, especially V. stolonifera, exhibited an expressed hepatoprotective effect in a paracetamol-induced hepatitis model in rats. The paracetamol-induced hepatitis led to marked biochemical and morphological signs of liver damage in rats. The V. stolonifera extract demonstrated a clear hepatoprotective effect, evidenced by reduced ALT, AST, and ALP levels and a decrease in the necrotic area of the liver. The effectiveness of the V. stolonifera extract exceeded that of the reference drug, silymarin.

Determination of molecular mechanisms of cellular plasticity and pancreatic tissue remodeling under conditions of dosed exogenous hypoxia

T. V. Ivanenko, A. V. Abramov — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The endocrine apparatus of the pancreas represents a micro-organ that includes multiple endocrine cell populations that function in close interaction with the microvasculature, extracellular matrix, and immune microenvironment. Within pancreatic islets, oxygen acts not only as an energetic substrate but also as a regulatory signal that modulates transcriptional programs and tissue adaptation through HIF-dependent and HIF-independent mechanisms. Dosed exogenous hypoxia, as a controlled form of intermittent hypoxia, is considered within the concept of hypoxic conditioning and can induce adaptive remodeling, with outcomes critically dependent on the parameters of hypoxic exposure. Investigation of the pancreas under conditions of dosed exogenous hypoxia is therefore promising for delineating the boundary between adaptive reorganization and maladaptive phenotypes and for correlating morphological changes with molecular markers of plasticity and stress responses.

Aim. To determine the molecular mechanisms of cellular plasticity and pancreatic tissue remodeling under conditions of dosed exogenous hypoxia through analysis of the expression profiles of key regulatory genes.

Materials and methods. Gene expression was analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) with the PARN-405Z RT² Profiler^TM PCR Array Rat Stem Cell kit (QIAGEN, Germany). The pancreas of experimental animals served as the object of investigation.

Results. Dosed exogenous hypoxia is associated with increased expression of genes belonging to three interconnected functional modules: trophic-cytoprotective, cytoskeletal-secretory, and adhesive-matrix. The most expressed transcriptional changes (Igf1 7.82-fold; Cdc42 4.66-fold; Ncam1 3.34-fold; Col1a1 4.23-fold, 2^–ΔΔCt) reflect adaptive remodeling, reinforcement of trophic support, optimization of secretory readiness, and reorganization of islet tissue architecture. Moderate upregulation of Krt15 (2.39-fold) and Cdk1 (2.21-fold) corresponds to activation of reparative-plastic programs without signs of excessive proliferation.

Conclusions. Overall, the transcriptional profile induced by dosed exogenous hypoxia is consistent with controlled adaptive remodeling of the pancreatic endocrine apparatus in response to microenvironmental changes rather than dominance of injury-driven mechanisms.

Pharmacological potential of 3-((indol-3-yl)methyl)-6-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine-7-carbohydrazide and its N′-arylidene carbohydrazides

S. O. Fedotov, A. S. Hotsulia — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Rational design of novel biologically active compounds relies on the use of effective structural fragments capable of providing high bioaffinity, favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and an adequate safety profile. Among them, scaffolds based on 1,2,4-triazole and indole occupy a special place; they are widely represented in pharmacologically active molecules due to their ability to participate in diverse types of molecular interactions.

Combining 1,2,4-triazole and indole fragments within a single molecule promotes the formation of conjugated systems with potentially multifunctional activity, thereby expanding opportunities for the development of new therapeutic agents. Computer-aided prediction of toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties at early stages of development remains a key strategy for optimizing screening. The use of in silico methods enables timely assessment of safety, the ADME profile and biological potential prior to experimental studies.

The aim of the study was an in silico evaluation of ADME parameters and molecular docking results for 3-((indol-3-yl)methyl)-6-methyl-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazine-7-carbohydrazide and its N′-arylidene carbohydrazide derivatives, to substantiate the feasibility of their synthesis and further experimental investigations.

Materials and methods. The study was performed using computational methods. Drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with the SwissADME online platform. Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock Vina and Discovery Studio Visualizer, applying the optimal parameters of the docking grid and analysis of interactions between the ligands and active sites of the target proteins. The following targets were selected: lanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, PDB: 5V5Z), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, PDB: 5IKR), peptide deformylase from Staphylococcus aureus (PDF, PDB: 1Q1Y), peptide deformylase from Escherichia coli (PDF, PDB: 1G2A), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK, PDB: 2XP2).

Results. The studied compounds have a high proportion of aromatic fragments and low saturation, accompanied by variable solubility and a generally acceptable drug-likeness profile. Molecular docking revealed target-specific lead compounds. The highest stability of COX-2 complexes was predicted for compounds 4 and 6 (ΔG = -10.2 kcal/mol). Compound 5 demonstrated the strongest binding to lanosterol 14α-demethylase with a binding energy of -11.0 kcal/mol. For peptide deformylase from S. aureus, compound 6 showed the most favorable interaction (ΔG = -8.4 kcal/mol), whereas compounds 7 and 9 were identified as the best binders to E. coli peptide deformylase (ΔG = -7.1 kcal/mol). In the case of ALK, compound 8 exhibited the highest binding affinity (ΔG = -9.0 kcal/mol).

Conclusions. The analyzed compounds may be considered as promising scaffolds for further in vitro and in vivo studies, particularly as potential multitarget pharmacological agents. The most relevant candidates for experimental validation are compounds 2, 5–8 and 10, as they combine a favorable pharmacokinetic balance with high predicted binding affinity toward several biological targets.

In silico evaluation of the pharmacological activity of triazoloazepine derivatives

O. S. Bondar, V. I. Karasova, I. M. Kurmakova, O. P. Makei — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of the article is to predict the potential pharmacological activity of N-aryl-tetrahydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo-[4,3-a]azepin-3-ylmethyl)-amines and to establish a correlation relationship between the probability of biological activity and quantum chemical parameters of molecules.

Materials and methods. The calculation of quantum chemical parameters of molecules was performed using the ChemOffice software. Prediction of bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters was performed using the SwissADME online resource. Prediction of probable target proteins was performed using the online resource SuperPred. Molecular docking was performed using Webina 1.0.5, visualization and analysis of interactions were performed using Discovery Studio Visualizer. Microsoft Excel was used to perform correlation and regression analyses on the coordinates “binding affinity – quantum chemical descriptors.”

Results. The molecules of the studied triazoloazepine derivatives have electrophilic properties, as indicated by the energy values of the lower vacant molecular orbital. They contain several adsorption reaction centers, in particular, positively charged amine nitrogen atom and nitrogen atom common to the triazole and azepine cycles, as well as negatively charged nitrogen atoms of the triazole cycle. According to calculations, high bioavailability and low risks of hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity are expected, meeting the requirements for potential drugs. An assessment of the compliance of triazoloazepine derivative molecules with the physicochemical parameters of bioavailability was carried out using radar diagrams. Correlation relationships were found between the probability of binding to Cathepsin D and Glutathione S-transferase Pi proteins and the quantum chemical parameters of the molecules. Good affinity was established for binding to proteins of the Carbonic anhydrase (VII, XII), Monoamine oxidase A and B, and Progesterone receptor. Binding occurs mainly with the participation of the electron density of cyclic fragments of molecules in the formation of π-alkyl, π-cation, π-π, π-σ, and stacking bonds. The interaction between triazoloazepine derivatives and potential target proteins occurs mainly with the participation of the electron density of cyclic fragments of molecules.

Conclusions. N-aryl-N-(6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]azepin-3-ylmethyl)-amines derivatives were found to have a high probability of binding to several potential target proteins. The formation of enzyme-ligand complexes may occur mainly with the participation of the electron density of cyclic fragments of molecules. The results obtained are important for further study of new triazoloazepine derivatives as perspective drug substances.

In silico study of potential bacterial peptide deformylase inhibitors among 4-((furan-2-ylmethyl)amino)-3,5-dimethyl-1-(2-aryl-2-oxoethyl)-1,2,4-triazolium bromides

T. S. Brytanova — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Heterocyclic compounds play a key role in the development of new biologically active substances, among which 1,2,4-triazole derivatives attract particular attention. The combination of this heterocyclic core with other heterocyclic pharmacophoric fragments within a single molecule is considered a promising strategy for the design of potential drug candidates.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of 4-((furan-2-ylmethyl)amino)-3,5-dimethyl-1-(2-aryl-2-oxoethyl)-1,2,4-triazolium bromides using molecular docking to the peptide deformylase (PDF) of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Materials and methods. The three-dimensional structures of the ligands were modeled using ChemSketch software, while the crystallographic structures of the peptide deformylase (PDF) enzyme were obtained from the Protein Data Bank: the Escherichia coli isoform (EcPDF, PDB ID: 1BSK) and the Staphylococcus aureus isoform (SaPDF, PDB ID: 1LQW) were used. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina, and the types of intermolecular interactions were analyzed with Discovery Studio Visualizer. The minimum binding energy (E_min), reflecting the stability of the “ligand – enzyme” complex, was used as an indicator of binding efficiency.

Results. Nitro-substituted compounds exhibited the highest affinity towards the active sites of both enzymes. In particular, the ortho-nitro derivative showed E_min values of -7.5 kcal/mol for the E. coli PDF complex and -7.9 kcal/mol for the S. aureus PDF complex, surpassing the activity of the standard inhibitor actinonin (E_min= -6.7 kcal/mol). Hydroxy-substituted derivatives demonstrated moderate activity, whereas the introduction of a methoxy group into the aryl fragment decreased the affinity of the ligands toward the enzyme.

Conclusions. A clear structure – activity relationship (SAR) was established, indicating that antimicrobial activity increases in the order of aryl substituents: -OCH₃ < -OH < -NO₂. The ortho-nitro derivative proved to be the most promising, forming multiple hydrogen bonds, π-cation and hydrophobic interactions with amino acid residues in the catalytic site of PDF. The obtained results can be used for the further design and optimization of novel peptide deformylase inhibitors of bacterial origin.

Study of the lipid profile of rats with diabetes mellitus of various genesis and with amino acid administration

M. I. Isachenko, Yu. M. Kolesnyk — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The aim. To comprehensively assess the effect of amino acids on lipid profile indicators, atherogenic index, body mass index, and Lee index in rats with experimental diabetes mellitus types 1 (DM1) and 2 (DM2).

Materials and methods. DM1 was induced in old male Wistar rats by a single administration of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin. In rats with DM2, insulin resistance was first induced (high-fat mixed feed for 8 weeks), after which 30 mg/kg streptozotocin was administered once. After 6 weeks, animals with DM were divided into 3 subgroups: without amino acid administration, rats with L-arginine and with N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

Results. In rats with DM1, there was an increase in total cholesterol (by 50 %), triglycerides (3.3 times) and low-density lipoproteins (1.9 times), which led to a significant increase in the atherogenic index (3.1 times). In rats with DM2, dyslipidemia was more expressed: the atherogenic index exceeded the values of DM1 by 58 %, and the HDL / LDL ratio was disturbed. The administration of L-arginine improved the lipid profile in both groups, significantly reducing the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, as well as reducing the atherogenic index. N-acetyl-L-cysteine also had a positive effect on the lipid profile, in particular, it reduced LDL, but its effect was less pronounced.

Conclusions. Dyslipidemia in DM1 is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia with an increase in low-density lipoproteins and a moderate increase in the atherogenic index, accompanied by a decrease in body mass index and the Lee index. While in DM2, more pronounced atherogenic dyslipidemia is observed, which is manifested in a significant decrease in high-density lipoproteins, an increase in low-density lipoproteins with a violation of their ratio against the background of severe hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and an increase in the atherogenic index. The body mass index and the Lee index do not change compared to control values. The introduction of L-arginine significantly improves the lipid profile in both types of diabetes, normalizing the number and ratio of lipoproteins, reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and the atherogenic index, without affecting the body mass index and the Lee index. The effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on the lipid profile is positive, but less pronounced compared to L-arginine, causing a decrease in low-density lipoproteins with restoration of the fractional ratio in both types of diabetes, and triglycerides only in rats with type 1 diabetes, but has no significant effect on the atherogenic index, body mass index and Lee index.

Capillary electrophoresis in DNA examination

L. I. Kucherenko, I. V. Pavliuk, V. V. Borysenko, H. R. Nimenko — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Forensic molecular genetic examination plays a crucial role in identifying individuals and establishing family ties, especially in the context of armed aggression against Ukraine. Capillary electrophoresis in combination with PCR is a modern standard of DNA analysis, which provides high accuracy and sensitivity even when studying degraded and small-quantity biological samples. The need to improve methodological approaches to the analysis of complex samples determines the relevance of this study.

Aim. Disclosure of the issues of capillary electrophoresis in DNA diagnostics in forensic molecular genetic examination.

Materials and methods. During the analysis in the Zaporizhzhia State Scientific Research Expert and Forensic Center, the GeneAmp PCR System2720 and Veriti Pro amplifiers from the company “Applied Biosystems”, genetic analyzers SeqStudio, Applied Biosystems 3500 and 3500XL Applied Biosystems were used. The biological material obtained from repatriations, from the combat zone and samples of buccal epithelium of relatives of missing persons was subject to the study.

Results. When studying samples of biological origin in the molecular research sector of the Zaporizhzhia State Scientific Research Expert and Forensic Center, more than 95 % of high-quality DNA profiles suitable for further identification were obtained. At the same time, when analyzing traces of biological origin, a decrease in the informativeness of the profiles was observed, which is associated with a small amount of biological material, DNA degradation and the presence of mixed DNA profiles. The use of SeqStudio, Applied Biosystems 3500 and 3500XL genetic analyzers allows for simultaneous analysis of 4 to 24 samples within one run, which provides high throughput of the method and the possibility of daily examination of a significant number of objects. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of capillary electrophoresis for practical tasks of forensic molecular genetic examination.

Conclusions. Capillary electrophoresis is a modern and indispensable method in forensic molecular genetic examination, which provides effective identification of a person and establishment of family ties. Further development of DNA extraction methods and expansion of genetic marker panels will contribute to increasing the efficiency of expert studies in Ukraine.

Mineral density of the radius and tibia in children depending on age, sex, and susceptibility to fractures according to ultrasound densitometry data

O. H. Ivanko, V. A. Deineha, M. V. Patsera, O. V. Solianyk, V. Ya. Pidkova — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of the work is to study the speed of ultrasound propagation in bones to determine the state of osteopenia and osteoporosis in children taking into account age, gender, physical development, and susceptibility to traumatic fractures.

Materials and methods. A total of 142 children aged 1 to 17 years were studied, of which 61 were girls and 81 were boys. Positive answers to questions about unbalanced nutrition, refusal to take vitamin D and repeated traumatic, primarily so-called low-energy fractures in the past were the basis for conducting ultrasound densitometry of bone density in children. To measure the speed of ultrasound waves in the tissues of the radius and tibia, the Mini-Omni device made in Israel was used.

Results. The average ultrasound propagation velocity in the radius and tibia in children depended on age, sex, and body mass index. The Z-scores, which took these relationships into account, were below the reference values (Z-score <-1.0) in almost all age categories except for adolescent girls aged 13–17 years. Boys and young men with Z-scores below -1.0 had twice the frequency of recurrent low-energy bone fractures in the past, compared with other children.

Conclusions. The method of measuring the speed of propagation of ultrasound in the form of the Z-score indicator is a convenient, fast and safe method of screening the state of bone mineral density in children and allows to detect osteopenia of varying degrees in 66.2 % of randomly examined children. In boys and young men aged 8–17 years, a Z-score below -1.0 doubles the risk of low-energy fracture.

Clinical and marketing analysis of consumer behavior in the market of topical antifungal agents for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis in Ukraine

T. V. Mielnyk, V. V. Gladyshev — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among women of reproductive age (75–90 %), the tendency to self-medication and the active use of over-the-counter antimycotic drugs lead to an increase in the medical, social and pharmaceutical significance of this problem. In the context of the transformation of the pharmaceutical market, changes in consumer behavior and the development of online sales channels, a comprehensive analysis of the topical antimicotic drugs market is becoming especially relevant. This study is aimed at substantiating current trends, selection factors and prospects for the development of the range, considering the needs of different groups of consumers.

The aim of the study is to conduct a clinical marketing analysis and investigate consumer segmentation of the topical antifungal drug market for the treatment of vaginal infections, with a focus on behavioral patterns, factors influencing the choice of dosage forms, and self-medication practices among women of reproductive age.

Materials and methods. The materials of the study were open sources of information on the market of topical antimycotic drugs for the treatment of vaginal infections, in particular, state registers of medicines of Ukraine, analytical reports of pharmaceutical companies, scientific publications and data on consumer preferences obtained based on questionnaires of respondents.

Results. The work carried out a marketing and segmentation analysis of the pharmaceutical market of topical antimycotic drugs intended for the therapy of vaginal infections. The modern structure of the market was studied, the main manufacturers were identified, the share of domestic and foreign drugs was estimated, and key trends in the development of the segment were identified. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of consumer demand, which allows us to outline the prospects for expanding the range, increasing the competitiveness and effectiveness of marketing strategies.

Conclusions. The market for topical antimicotic drugs is characterized by stable demand due to the high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis and the predominance of self-treatment with OTC (over-the-counter) drugs, which actualizes the expansion of the range of dosage forms. Consumer behavior depends on socio-demographic factors: young women are more likely to choose combination drugs, while lower-income consumers focus on availability and price, which creates opportunities for differentiated strategies. The growth of online distribution along with the dominance of traditional pharmacies and a significant share of relapses determines the need for educational programs, innovative combined tools and adaptation of logistics and regulatory approaches.

Assessment of the availability of topical antibacterial drugs used in dermatology

I. M. Skupyi, S. A. Gladysheva — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Skin diseases caused by the functioning of pathogenic and saprophytic bacteria are characterized by nosological diversity. One of the most common pathologies in this group, which dermatologists encounter almost daily and in all age groups, is pustular skin diseases or pyoderma. Expanding the arsenal of pharmacotherapeutic agents that provide effective etiotropic treatment of superficial forms of pyoderma while preventing their further dissemination is one of the pressing issues of modern dermatology. Given the difficult circumstances that arose in connection with military operations and which directly affect the quality of pharmaceutical provision of medicines to the population of cities and villages, the analysis of accessibility (physical and economic) for Ukrainian patients remains relevant.

The aim of the work is to assess the availability of local antibacterial drugs used in dermatology.

Materials and methods. The information base of the study was the National List of Essential Medicines; open statistical resources of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine; tabletki.ua and online data of pharmacy chains; instructions for medical use of drugs. The study used methods such as information search, analysis, generalization, and marketing research.

Results. From the list of local antibacterial drugs, 35 trade names of the most in-demand medicines were identified for further analysis. No significant differences in physical availability were found between frontline, central, and western regions. This indicates the restoration of pharmaceutical logistics processes compared to the beginning of 2022, despite the protracted nature of the military conflict. Based on the conducted research, several structured measures are proposed to improve the management of the range of medicines and improve pharmaceutical care.

Conclusions. It was found that the physical availability of local antibacterial drugs is 82 %, with minor regional differences between frontline, central and western cities of Ukraine, which indicates the restoration of logistical processes and pharmaceutical supply of the retail segment of the Ukrainian pharmaceutical market. It was found that the economic accessibility of local antibacterial drugs is high (all drugs are classified as highly accessible, the solvency adequacy ratio is less than 5 %), but the calculations are based on the average salary, which does not consider regional disparities, which may overestimate real accessibility.

Information safety in Ukraine’s pharmaceutical environment: analysis and classification of information objects based on expert consensus

N. O. Tkachenko, S. S. Mysiura — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Aim. This study aims to develop and substantiate a classification of information objects within Ukraine’s information safety pharmaceutical environment (ISPE) based on their attribution to external or internal environments and level of accessibility (restricted or open). The classification leverages expert consensus, assessed using the Jaccard similarity coefficient, to enhance the content of the Pharmaceutical Safety Concept.

Materials and methods. The study involved a survey of 228 pharmaceutical professionals, including academic staff from higher education institutions specializing in pharmacy. Conducted online from February to October 2024, the survey adhered to the ethical principles of the Helsinki Declaration. Respondents classified 16 information types (I1–I16) by environment and accessibility. The Jaccard similarity coefficient was employed to evaluate consensus, with calculations performed in R using the Vegan package. Methods included survey administration, statistical analysis, clustering, and comparative analysis.

Results. Regulatory documents, information on educational institutions, executive authorities, international organizations, and professional associations were predominantly classified as external environment with open access (43–53 % of responses). Information concerning pharmaceutical companies, as well as personal data of professionals and patients, was categorized as internal environment with restricted access, while data on medicinal products spanned both environments. Consensus among respondents did not exceed 50 % for most information types, indicating significant variability in interpretations.

Conclusions. The low consensus in classifying ISPE objects, particularly personal data, underscores the need for clear methodological guidelines to ensure information security. The consistent attribution of regulatory documents to the external environment confirms their public nature. Exceptions, such as personal data of patients and information on educational institutions, highlight their dual role, necessitating strengthened data protection protocols to enhance trust in the healthcare system and improve the efficiency of pharmaceutical practice.

Comprehensive marketing research of the global pharmaceutical market of drugs for the management of prostate cancer pathologies and assessment of the market potential forecast for domestic manufacturers

I. V. Bushuieva, M. V. Parchenko — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Given the significant incidence of prostate cancer (PC) among Ukrainian men, it is critical to study the state of pharmaceutical support to ensure proper and effective disease management. The analysis of the distribution of 47 drugs by countries of origin, including leaders such as India (29.8 %), Germany (19.1 %) and Ukraine (12.8 %), indicates the uneven geographical impact and variety of types of drugs – from original to generic. The dynamics of prices, which increased by 2–6 % in 2025 compared to previous years, reflect the impact of inflation and imported factors. This context emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study of the pharmaceutical market to support domestic producers and to ensure the availability of therapy.

The aim of the study was to carry out a marketing analysis of drugs registered in the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine as of April – August 2025, which are used for the management of PC, with the subsequent assessment of nomenclature, origin, forms of release, price correlation and pharmacoeconomic aspects.

Materials and methods. The study is based on the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, the National Cancer Register, information from the web resources Compendium, apteka911.ua, Tabletki.ua and other sites-aggregators, as well as the unified clinical protocol of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and the International Instruction of the European Association of Urology and National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Methods of information search, comparative, analytical and marketing analysis, correlation, pharmacoeconomic analysis have been applied. To conduct pharmacoeconomic analysis (Cost-Effectiveness Analysis method, Cost-Minimization Analysis method), prices in pharmacy chains for the period April – August 2025 and reimbursement program data were taken into account.

Results. Analysis of 47 oncological drugs for the treatment of PC as of August 2025 revealed India’s leadership (29.8 %, 14 generics), Germany (19.1 %, 9 original and generics) and Ukraine (12.8 %, 6 generics). In total, 68.0 % of drugs are generics, 32.0 % are original, mainly from the United Kingdom and the United States (6.4 %, 3 drugs). Prices increased by 2–6 % in 2025 compared to 2024.

Conclusions. The study confirmed the dominance of generics (68 %) in the PC market in 2025, with India leadership (29.8 %) and a significant contribution of Ukraine (12.8 %), which increases availability. Germany (19.1 %), the United Kingdom and the United States (6.4 %) provide original drugs, but their high cost requires subsidizing. The rise in prices by 2–6 % emphasizes the importance of local production in Ukraine, where 1.19 million cancer patients are registered. EAU and NCCN support the use of analyzed drugs, which indicates their clinical relevance.

Ways to improve administrative liability for violations in pharmaceutical activities

O. H. Aleksieiev — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Pharmaceutical activity, as a component of the healthcare sector, is certainly one of the most important areas of the industry, because its essence is to provide citizens with safe, high-quality, and affordable medicines.

The aim of the work is to develop the basic elements of the concept of improving administrative liability for offences in the pharmaceutical sector.

Materials and methods. The study materials included the provisions of the current Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses and the laws of Ukraine governing pharmaceutical activities. The analysis also relied on statistical data from the State Service of Ukraine on Medicines and Drugs Control, as well as analytical reports issued by the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency. The methodological basis is a system of general scientific and special legal methods. The dialectical method is used to reveal the reform of administrative tort law as a dynamic process of development of legal norms.

Results. Based on an analysis of scientific sources, the authors put forward a generalized conceptual framework outlining the key trends in the reform of administrative tort legislation in the pharmaceutical sector, drawing on diverse scholarly approaches. The study identifies the following priority areas for updating legislation on administrative liability in the circulation of medicinal products: codification of offenses related to medicinal product circulation; clarification of the objective and subjective elements of administrative torts (including precise definitions of such concepts as “non-compliance with standards”, “violation of the rules governing the circulation of medicinal products”, “dispensing”, and “distribution”); differentiation of sanctions according to the gravity of the violation, its consequences, and the form of guilt; and consideration of special regulatory regimes, including martial law, states of emergency, and humanitarian operations.

Conclusions. The focus of the reform should include the development of special criteria for bringing to justice, taking into account the degree of public danger. It is also advisable to differentiate sanctions depending on the severity of the offence and the parties involved.