American Journal Of Pharmacy And Pharmacology
The American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to publishing current and relevant findings from cutting-edge research in pharmacy, pharmacology, and related subjects. It aims to cover all aspects of pharmacy and pharmacology, including areas such as pharmaceutics and drug delivery, experimental and clinical pharmacology, biopharmaceutics and drug disposition, and drugs from natural sources.
All articles published in the American Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). This license allows others to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially Under the following terms: Attribution — Appropriate credit must be given to the original author(s) and source, a link to the license must be provided, and any changes made must be indicated. By submitting their work, authors agree to these licensing terms and retain copyright of their articles.
Understanding Cuomo’s Paradox in Oncology Research and its Implications for Pharmacologic Studies
Cuomo’s Paradox describes a recurrent pattern in which exposures that influence the probability of developing a disease show the opposite or neutral association with survival once the disease is present. Pharmacy and pharmacology sit at the fulcrum of this tension because pharmacists are asked to translate evidence across prevention, active treatment, and survivorship, often in the same clinical encounter. The abstract summarizes the rationale for a formal framework that separates prevention and survivorship questions, outlines a protocol for a scoping review and evidence map, and previews a typology that classifies exposures according to whether incidence and survival associations align or diverge. The article then develops practical guidance for counseling, dosing, and supportive care without presenting new estimates. Throughout, it emphasizes the role of causal structure, including collider bias, stage migration, and reverse causation, in generating apparent inversions between prevention and survival evidence. Illustrations are drawn from adiposity and immune checkpoint therapy, serum cholesterol in oncology cohorts, antioxidant supplements before and during cancer therapy, and alcohol across prevention and survivorship contexts. The central message is that the same exposure can be beneficial when the goal is to prevent disease and not beneficial, or even harmful, when the goal is to extend life or improve treatment tolerance after diagnosis. Pharmacists can reduce contradictory advice by asking which question an estimate answers, by preferring survivorship specific endpoints once disease is present, and by counseling with treatment mechanisms in mind. The article closes with recommendations for research and guideline development that require explicit declaration of whether an analysis targets prevention or survivorship and that encourage prespecified survival focused estimands in pharmacotherapy studies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ryo Sato, Haruka Nakamura, Takumi Watanabe (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Drug Metabolism
The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in drug metabolism, influencing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various therapeutic agents. Microbial enzymes can activate, deactivate, or transform drugs, impacting efficacy and toxicity. Recent studies highlight the significance of the gut microbiome in modulating individual responses to medications. This article reviews current knowledge on the interactions between gut microbiota and drugs, the implications for personalized medicine, and future directions in microbiome-targeted pharmacology.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
The Role of Drug Receptors in Cancer Therapy
Drug receptors play a pivotal role in the efficacy and selectivity of cancer therapies. By understanding receptor biology and its interaction with targeted drugs, scientists can enhance therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects. This article explores the classification and function of drug receptors in oncology, highlights their role in current targeted therapies, and discusses emerging strategies in receptor modulation for effective cancer treatment.
The Development of Biopharmaceuticals for Autoimmune Diseases
Biopharmaceuticals have transformed the treatment landscape for autoimmune diseases by offering targeted and effective therapeutic options. These biologically-derived agents, including monoclonal antibodies, cytokine modulators, and fusion proteins, are designed to modulate immune responses with high specificity. This article reviews the development of biopharmaceuticals in autoimmune disease therapy, highlighting key breakthroughs, clinical applications, safety considerations, and future research directions. The integration of biopharmaceuticals into treatment regimens represents a significant advancement in personalized and precision medicine.
Understanding the Pharmacology of Cardiovascular Drugs
Cardiovascular drugs play a vital role in managing a wide array of heart and blood vessel disorders, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Understanding their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics is essential for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. This article reviews major classes of cardiovascular drugs, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and safety profiles. It also highlights emerging trends in cardiovascular pharmacology and precision medicines.
Cardiovascular drugs play a vital role in managing a wide array of heart and blood vessel disorders, including hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Understanding their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics is essential for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. This article reviews major classes of cardiovascular drugs, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and safety profiles. It also highlights emerging trends in cardiovascular pharmacology and precision medicine.
The Role of Nanotechnology in Targeted Drug Delivery for Infectious Diseases
Nanotechnology offers transformative potential in the treatment of infectious diseases through the development of targeted drug delivery systems. By engineering nanoparticles with specific characteristics, therapeutic agents can be delivered directly to infection sites, enhancing drug efficacy and reducing side effects. This article discusses the design and application of nanocarriers for infectious diseases, explores current challenges, and highlights future opportunities in integrating nanotechnology with antimicrobial therapies.
The Role of Natural Compounds in Cancer Chemoprevention
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality globally, necessitating innovative strategies for prevention and management. Natural compounds derived from dietary and medicinal plants have gained increasing attention for their potential in cancer chemoprevention. These bioactive agents exert anti-carcinogenic effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant activity, modulation of detoxification enzymes, regulation of inflammatory pathways, and induction of apoptosis in cancerous cells. This article reviews key natural compounds—such as curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and sulforaphane—and their mechanistic roles in inhibiting cancer initiation, promotion, and progression. The integration of these phytochemicals into dietary and pharmacological approaches presents a promising avenue for non-toxic, long-term cancer prevention strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 American Journal Of Pharmacy And Pharmacology https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Advances in Liposomal Drug Delivery Systems
Liposomal drug delivery systems (LDDS) have revolutionized pharmaceutical therapy by enhancing the therapeutic index of drugs through improved pharmacokinetics and targeted delivery. These nanocarriers offer a biocompatible, versatile platform to encapsulate a wide range of bioactive compounds, reducing toxicity and improving bioavailability. Advances in liposomal formulation, including PEGylation, ligand targeting, and stimuli-responsive systems, have further expanded their clinical utility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of modern liposomal technologies and their implications in drug delivery.
Drug Design and Development for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Despite decades of research, effective curative treatments remain elusive. This article explores current strategies in drug design and development for Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting recent advancements, challenges, and future perspectives. Emphasis is placed on amyloid-beta and tau-targeting agents, cholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, and novel therapeutics emerging from precision medicine and artificial intelligence. The importance of early diagnosis, biomarkers, and blood-brain barrier permeability in drug development is also discussed. An integrated and multidisciplinary approach is essential for therapeutic breakthroughs in AD.
Developing Personalized Drug Therapies for Cancer Patients
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and its management is increasingly shifting from generalized treatments to individualized therapeutic strategies. Personalized drug therapy involves tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, including their genetic profile, tumor microenvironment, and biomarker expression. This article explores the key developments, technological advances, challenges, and clinical applications of personalized drug therapy for cancer patients. It highlights the role of genomics, proteomics, and data-driven modeling in improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. Emphasis is also placed on the integration of AI, patient stratification techniques, and real-world applications in oncology.
Copyright (c) 2024 American Journal Of Pharmacy And Pharmacology
The Impact of Drug Delivery Systems on Patient Adherence
Patient adherence to medication is a critical determinant of therapeutic success in clinical practice. Poor adherence is often linked with complex dosing regimens, side effects, and lack of patient engagement. Innovative drug delivery systems (DDS) such as controlled-release tablets, transdermal patches, and implantable devices have emerged to address these barriers. These systems improve pharmacokinetic profiles, reduce dosing frequency, and enhance patient comfort, leading to better compliance. This article explores the multifaceted impact of modern DDS on patient adherence by analyzing technological, psychological, and clinical aspects.
Pharmacological Implications of Drug Administration Routes
The route of drug administration significantly affects the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications, thereby influencing therapeutic efficacy and safety. This article explores the pharmacological implications associated with various drug administration routes including intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, oral, topical, and inhalational methods. A comprehensive understanding of these routes helps clinicians tailor treatment strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes, particularly in scenarios requiring rapid action, sustained release, or minimal systemic exposure. The study emphasizes the need for route-specific considerations in drug design and delivery systems.
The Use of Animal Models in Pharmacological Research
Animal models have played an essential role in advancing pharmacological research by providing critical insights into the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of therapeutic compounds. They serve as indispensable tools for translating preclinical findings into clinical applications. This article explores the types of animal models used, their applications in drug discovery and development, ethical considerations, and the future of animal modeling in the era of alternative and computational approaches.
The Development of Novel Antimalarial Drugs
Malaria remains a major global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium species has rendered many first-line antimalarial therapies less effective, highlighting the urgent need for new drugs. This article discusses recent advances in the development of novel antimalarial agents, including new chemical entities, repurposed drugs, and innovative delivery systems. It also explores the mechanisms of resistance, targets for drug development, and the future landscape of antimalarial pharmacotherapy.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Pharmacology and Drug Development
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes. In pharmacology and drug development, miRNAs have emerged as both therapeutic targets and biomarkers for disease diagnosis, drug efficacy, and toxicity. This article discusses the mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene regulation, their implications in drug resistance and sensitivity, and the ongoing advancements in miRNA-based therapeutics and diagnostics.
Drug Metabolism and Pharmacogenetics in Personalized Medicine
The field of personalized medicine is transforming healthcare by tailoring treatment strategies to individual genetic profiles. Drug metabolism and pharmacogenetics are at the heart of this transformation, helping clinicians predict drug responses, reduce adverse effects, and optimize therapeutic outcomes. This article explores the role of genetic polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and receptors. It discusses major pharmacogenetic biomarkers, the clinical implementation of genetic testing, and emerging trends in integrating genomics into routine medical practice.
Recent Developments in the Pharmacology of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are essential tools in combating bacterial infections, yet their clinical effectiveness is increasingly threatened by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recent developments in antibiotic pharmacology aim to overcome these challenges through novel drug discovery, optimized dosing strategies, and innovative delivery systems. This article explores newly approved antibiotics, beta-lactamase inhibitors, advancements in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), and alternative approaches such as bacteriophage therapy. It also discusses the implications of resistance mechanisms on antibiotic efficacy and the future outlook of antibiotic therapy.
Advances in Pharmacological Approaches to Pain Management
Effective pain management is a cornerstone of modern clinical care. Over the past decade, significant advancements in pharmacological strategies have emerged, improving outcomes for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain. This article reviews traditional and emerging pharmacotherapies, including opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), adjuvant agents, and novel drug targets. It also discusses the challenges of opioid use, multidimensional approaches to pain, and future directions in developing safer, more effective analgesics tailored to individual patient needs.
Exploring the Role of Inflammation in Drug-Induced Toxicity
Drug-induced toxicity is a major challenge in clinical pharmacology and drug development, often limiting the therapeutic potential of otherwise effective drugs. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of such toxicity. This article reviews the mechanisms by which inflammatory responses exacerbate drug-induced toxicity in vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. It also explores how understanding these interactions can guide the development of anti-inflammatory strategies and biomarkers to improve drug safety and patient outcomes.
Pharmacology of Antihistamines and Their Therapeutic Applications
Antihistamines are a class of drugs that inhibit the effects of histamine, a key mediator in allergic reactions and inflammation. They are widely used to treat conditions such as allergic rhinitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis, and motion sickness. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacology of antihistamines, including the different generations, receptor selectivity, mechanisms of action, and side effects. It also discusses current and emerging therapeutic applications and highlights challenges in clinical use and drug development.
Mechanisms of Action of Anticancer Agents: A Comprehensive Review
Anticancer agents exert their therapeutic effects through various mechanisms targeting different cellular pathways essential for cancer cell survival and proliferation. This review categorizes and describes the primary mechanisms of action of conventional chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies, hormone therapies, immunotherapies, and emerging treatment modalities. An in-depth understanding of these mechanisms aids in rational drug design, predicting drug resistance, and optimizing treatment strategies. The article also addresses challenges and future prospects in anticancer drug development.
Investigating the Role of Antioxidants in Drug Development
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of many chronic and degenerative diseases. Antioxidants, which neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), have emerged as promising therapeutic agents in drug development. This article explores the role of antioxidants in the design of drugs for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and aging-related ailments. It discusses natural and synthetic antioxidants, their mechanisms of action, recent advancements, challenges in clinical translation, and the future prospects of antioxidant-based drug development.
Understanding the Role of Cytokines in Drug Response
Cytokines are key regulators of immune responses and play a significant role in modulating drug efficacy and toxicity. They can influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, particularly in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. This article explores the mechanisms by which cytokines alter drug response, their impact on drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, and their role in therapeutic resistance and adverse reactions. Understanding cytokine-drug interactions is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies, especially in personalized medicine.
Role of Pharmacological Agents in Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Pharmacological treatment plays a crucial role in managing IBD by reducing inflammation, inducing and maintaining remission, and improving quality of life. This article explores the major classes of drugs used in the treatment of IBD, including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. It also discusses emerging therapies, challenges in treatment personalization, and future directions in pharmacological research aimed at optimizing IBD management.
Advances in the Pharmacology of Opioid Analgesics
Opioid analgesics remain the cornerstone for the management of moderate to severe pain, despite the rising concerns about tolerance, dependence, and the opioid epidemic. Recent advances in opioid pharmacology have focused on developing novel compounds with improved safety profiles, minimizing central nervous system side effects, and understanding receptor subtypes. This article reviews recent developments in opioid receptor pharmacodynamics, biased agonism, peripherally acting opioids, and novel delivery systems. It also discusses the therapeutic potential and risks associated with emerging opioid therapies.
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Anticancer Drugs
Understanding the pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles of anticancer drugs is critical for optimizing cancer treatment and minimizing adverse effects. This article reviews the key pharmacokinetic parameters—absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME)—and their influence on the efficacy and safety of anticancer agents. It also explores common toxicities associated with chemotherapeutic and targeted therapies, mechanisms of drug resistance, and strategies to mitigate toxicity. The review aims to guide clinicians and researchers in selecting appropriate regimens and improving patient outcomes.
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of Biologics in Oncology
Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant challenge in the treatment of neurological disorders. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems (DDS) have shown promising potential in overcoming the BBB's selective permeability, enhancing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents in the brain. This article reviews the latest developments in DDS technologies such as nanoparticles, liposomes, and carrier-mediated transport systems, and evaluates their effectiveness in targeting the central nervous system (CNS). The article also discusses the current challenges, safety considerations, and future prospects for integrating DDS into clinical neurology.
Advances in Targeted Immunotherapies for Cancer Treatment
Targeted immunotherapies represent a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering precise and personalized approaches to combating malignancies. These therapies enhance the body’s immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells with minimal damage to normal tissues. Recent advances include immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapies, bispecific antibodies, and cancer vaccines. This article explores the mechanisms, clinical applications, challenges, and future directions of targeted immunotherapies in oncology.
Therapeutic Applications of Stem Cells in Pharmacology
Stem cell research has emerged as a transformative area in pharmacology, offering new therapeutic possibilities for a wide range of diseases. The ability of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types makes them promising candidates for regenerative medicine and drug testing. This article explores the therapeutic applications of stem cells in pharmacology, focusing on their role in tissue regeneration, treatment of degenerative diseases, and development of personalized drug therapies. It also discusses current challenges and future perspectives in the integration of stem cell technologies into clinical pharmacology.