Recent Advances on Vaginal delivery for the Treatment of Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginal infection caused by candida species, affecting 70% of the women. It may occur due to the imbalance in the vaginal micro-biodata, pregnancy, diabetes, use of antibiotics, frequent sexual activities or AIDS. Aim: The main aim of this review is to provide overview about different vaginal delivery systems for the administration of antifungal agents like conventional, mucoadhesive and muco-penetrating delivery systems. Method: The conventional delivery systems available are having limited efficacy due to the less residence time and adverse effects. In order to overcome these issues, delivery system with mucoadhesive and muco-penetrating properties is required. Mucoadhesive polymers are having excellent binding properties with mucin and thus increasing residence time. On the other hand, muco-penetrating polymers transport the antifungal agents across the mucus layer. Results: This review summarizes the pathophysiology of VVC along with novel delivery systems for the treatment of infection through mucoadhesive and muco-penetrating approaches. Surface modifications of nano/ microparticles with mucoadhesive or muco-penetrating particles may results delivery systems with improved therapeutic efficacy. Conclusion: Based on the available data conventional and mucoadhesive drug delivery systems have some limitations, still requires improvement/ development for safe and effective delivery of antifungal agents.

Intravaginal Delivery Approaches for Contraception: An Overview with Emphasis on Gels

The rising population with grave ramifications for the future is a fundamental issue, demanding for newer and better contraceptive modalities. Also, in order to achieve the contraceptive purpose, the choice of the most suitable delivery system is of unquestionable importance. Out of all dosage forms, vaginal gel formulations present indubitable benefits for contraceptive administration. Therefore, this review summarizes the history of research in the field of vaginal delivery systems with special emphasis on the development of vaginal gels containing safer and more effective contraceptive agents. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.