Drug Discovery and Development Assignment 1
Drug Discovery and Development Assignment 1
[CSU849]
Submitted to:
Sonia Rani
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Shoolini University.
Submitted by:
Tanmay Agarwal
GF202349784
B.Sc. Biotechnology
III Semester
(2023-2027)
Introduction to Dosage Forms
A dosage form is the physical form of a drug or medication that is designed to deliver the
therapeutic agent to a patient effectively and safely. It determines the route of administration,
pharmacokinetic behaviour, and bioavailability of the drug. The design of dosage forms is a
critical aspect of pharmaceutical science because it impacts the effectiveness and patient
compliance.
1. Creams: Semi-solid emulsions that are used for topical administration. They are
easier to spread and are used for conditions like skin irritations or infections.
2. Ointments: Greasy formulations that are more occlusive, providing a barrier over the
skin to retain moisture and deliver the drug.
3. Gels: Semi-solid systems containing either small or large molecules that are dispersed
in a liquid but solidified by a gelling agent. Gels offer a cooling effect when applied to
the skin.
1. Oral Route: Oral dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and liquids are convenient and
preferred for non-invasive administration. However, they may not be suitable for
drugs that are inactivated by stomach acid or for patients with gastrointestinal
absorption issues.
2. Topical Route: Creams, ointments, gels, and patches are used for localized treatment
of skin conditions, pain relief, or hormone replacement therapy.
3. Parenteral Route: Injections, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous
forms, provide rapid onset of action and are used for drugs that are poorly absorbed
orally.
4. Inhalation Route: For respiratory conditions, this route delivers medication directly
to the lungs, providing a fast response in conditions like asthma or COPD.
5. Rectal/Vaginal Route: These forms are useful when oral administration is not
feasible due to vomiting, or when local treatment is required (e.g., for hemarhoids or
infections).
Types of IPR:
I. Patents:
A patent provides the patent holder with the exclusive right to make, use, sell, or
distribute an invention for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date.
To be patentable, an invention must be novel, non-obvious, and useful. Patents are
especially critical in the pharmaceutical industry, where they protect the development
of new drugs and treatments.
1. Pharmaceutical Patents: These include patents for new chemical entities,
formulations, drug delivery systems, and methods of manufacturing.
2. Biotechnology Patents: These cover genetic modifications, biotechnological
processes, and new organisms or cell lines.
II. Trademarks:
Trademarks protect brand names, logos, slogans, and symbols that identify products
or services. In the pharmaceutical industry, trademarks are vital for ensuring the
distinctiveness of drug names and preventing confusion between similar products.
Example: Brand names like "Tylenol" or "Aspirin" are trademarked, distinguishing
them from generic equivalents.
III. Copyrights:
Copyright protects creative works such as literary, artistic, or musical works. In the
pharmaceutical context, it could apply to instructional manuals, software for drug
discovery, or educational materials for healthcare providers.
IV. Trade Secrets:
Trade secrets involve confidential information that provides a competitive advantage.
For instance, the formula for Coca-Cola is a famous trade secret. In the
pharmaceutical industry, trade secrets could include formulations, manufacturing
processes, or clinical trial data that a company wants to keep proprietary.
Example: Formulation techniques or specific processes used in drug manufacturing
can be protected as trade secrets rather than filing for patents.
V. Geographical Indications (GI):
GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess
qualities or a reputation due to that origin. While not directly related to pharmaceuticals,
GIs are more common in the food and beverage industry (e.g., Champagne, Roquefort
cheese). However, it could apply to medicinal plants grown in specific regions.