Aims: To evaluate available information on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) education programmes and their implementation across different countries. Methods: The study was performed in two phases. First, a scoping review of scientific literature on available education programmes was performed. Afterwards, a questionnaire was distributed among a worldwide network of professionals engaged in the practice of TDM. Results: Eight scientific articles discussing TDM educational programmes were found. They described in depth an educational programme on TDM, which was primarily offered as postgraduate education programme for hospital staff. We received a total 23 responses (30% response rate); of these, 68% were from academia. For 70% of respondents, TDM is part of the educational programme of healthcare professionals, and for 56% it is offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, aimed mainly at physicians (39%) and pharmacists (65%). TDM is mainly performed in infectious diseases (n = 15), neurology (n = 14) and psychiatry (n = 12), as well as for antibiotics (83%), monoclonal antibodies (53%), and oncology and psychotropics (48%). Funding for TDM is derived mostly from public health insurance (48%), hospital (44%), patients (39%). In some cases, patients might co‐pay to hospital or to health insurance fund. Conclusions: Education on TDM is scattered across different subjects, disciplines and degrees. It is oriented essentially towards physicians and pharmacists, and its funding is mainly public. General guidelines are lacking. In light of this, it is necessary to consider developing a comprehensive educational programme on TDM, oriented towards relevant drugs and diseases, and encompassing appropriate analytical and pharmacological methods.

The purpose of this study is to formulate and evaluate amphiphilic cream with meloxicam indicated for topical relief of pain, particularly because there are currently no available topical dosage forms on the market. Thus, the present research is focused on characterization of the capacity of the amphiphilic base, composed of glycerol monostearate, cetyl alcohol, Tagat^® S2, Myritol^® 318, propylene glycol, and white petrolatum, to be loaded with drug model meloxicam dissolved in propylene glycol. To enhance the solubility and penetration of meloxicam, menthol as a rubefacient was added to the meloxicam solution. The series of three formulations were prepared with variable content of added menthol. Obtained creams were characterized by drug content, pH, spreadability, viscosity, microbial purity, drug release, and stability. Results showed stable cream formulations with good spreadability and viscosity, suitable for topical application.

Background/Objectives: The study describes the elaboration and evaluation of thermosensitive niosomes intended for the systemic application of daunorubicin hydrochloride. The attained stimulus sensitivity would determine the release of the chemotherapeutic predominantly at the target site, which ensures a higher drug concentration and leads to reduced systemic toxicity. The latter is highly beneficial, as the anthracycline antibiotic is known for its dose-dependent cardiotoxic effects. Methods: Conventional and copolymer-modified niosomes were prepared via thin-film hydration and the transmembrane ammonium gradient method, allowing us to assess the impacts of copolymer type-DHP-PiPOX (1,3-dihexadecyl-propane-2-ol-poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)) or DHP-PETEGA (1,3-dihexadecyl-propane-2-ol-poly(ethoxytriethylene glycol acrylate)) and their concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2.5 mol%), as well as the method of preparation, on the main physicochemical properties of the vesicles. Niosomes were characterized in terms of their size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, morphology, and drug release properties. Thermosensitivity was evaluated by fluorescence studies, and the antiproliferative activity of optimized formulations was assessed against the acute myelocyte leukemia-derived HL-60 cell line. Results: Daunorubicin-loaded niosomes modified with DHP-PiPOX and DHP-PETEGA at 2.5 mol% exhibited suitable physicochemical properties for systemic application, with sizes below 200 nm (155 and 158 nm respectively), low PDI values of 0.25 and 0.29, spherical morphology, and high daunorubicin entrapment efficiency (68.6 and 66.5% respectively). The vesicles showed temperature-dependent drug release properties and superior antiproliferative activity compared to the free daunorubicin (IC₅₀ values of 6.91 and 8.54 vs. 12.14). Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that the developed thermosensitive nanovesicles may serve as a suitable drug delivery system for the systemic application of daunorubicin hydrochloride.

This study aimed to assess patients’ perceptions of inhaler technique education and the pharmacist’s role in asthma care in North Macedonia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2024 at the University Clinic for Pulmonology and Allergology in Skopje, involving 187 adult asthma patients. Most participants (69%) reported adherence to therapy, but 13.9% had never received inhaler training, and only 27.3% had been instructed by a pharmacist. While 96.3% expressed interest in pharmacist counseling on medications, only 48.7% were open to pharmacist-led inhaler training. Significant associations were found between adherence and both gender (p = 0.040) and inhaler training. These findings suggest limited awareness of the pharmacist’s clinical role. Expanding pharmacist-led education in community pharmacies and fostering collaboration with physicians could improve asthma outcomes and promote more effective use of healthcare resources.

The present article discusses and highlights the need for education and scientific research in the field of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) through the prism of the COST Action on the European Network on Optimising Treatment with Therapeutic Antibodies in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases (ENOTTA). The overall hypothesis was that training schools and short-term scientific missions (STSM) would advance the field in areas with a high need for knowledge exchange. Educational and research topics span the spectrum of the manufacturing of biological and personalized medicines, quality assurance, clinical research, regulatory approval, treatment evaluation, predicting therapeutic results via modeling, stratification of patients, assay of biologicals concentration in plasma, and cost-effectiveness of therapeutic drug monitoring. In conclusion, we put forward that an educational program on TDM may be helpful in advancing the field and should include the aforementioned subjects. In addition, clinical application and interpretation in a variety of treatment areas should be presented in detail. Such a comprehensive educational program will respond to the requirements of best practices in TDM and future developments in the area.

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an inflammatory chronic disorder of the connective tissue. Subcutaneous lupus is an autoimmune disease. Patients with SCLE develop skin rashes or lesions, which affect the most photo-exposed regions, yet in more severe cases, these changes may confluence with each other. Herein, we present the case of a 62-year-old female with a two-year history of SCLE. The first symptoms appeared two days after receiving a flu vaccine. She was treated with antimalarials, yet for two years, the disease only progressed and the condition worsened. Her diabetes was out of control, and she began to have psychosocial difficulties. The condition of other comorbidities should always be monitored, and the medication that will be given should be carefully selected. What is paid little attention to is the psychosocial aspect of the disease, which greatly affects the course of the disease itself and leaves lasting consequences on the patient. Key words: Lupus erythematosus, Antimalarials, Diabetes, Psychosocial life