Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
2.7
Journals
Future Pharmacology
Special Issues
Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025
share announcement

Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025

A special issue of Future Pharmacology (ISSN 2673-9879).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 10687

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Schifano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK
Interests: psychopharmacology; addiction; drug misuse; new psychoactive substances
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the founding Editor-in-Chief, I am pleased to announce the collection titled “Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025”. This Feature Papers Special Issue aims to collect high-quality papers from excellent scholars around the world, which introduce new insights into the scientific development of pharmacological sciences. Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. All articles published will immediately be made available worldwide under an open access license.

We are happy to accept the latest results on a range of issues including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Drug design and discovery;
  • Drug metabolism;
  • Molecular/biochemical/cellular pharmacology;
  • Clinical pharmacology;
  • Behavioural pharmacology;
  • Toxicology;
  • Pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics;
  • Biopharmaceuticals.

Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Schifano
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Future Pharmacology is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • drug design and discovery
  • drug metabolism
  • molecular/biochemical/cellular pharmacology
  • clinical pharmacology
  • behavioural pharmacology
  • toxicology
  • pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics
  • biopharmaceuticals

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

11 pages, 751 KB  
Article
In Vitro Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Efficacy of an Aminochalcone-Loaded Hydrogel Against Candida spp.
by Emmanuely de Oliveira Chaves dos Santos, Pedro Luiz Rosalen, Joice Graciani, Josy Goldoni Lazarini, Maria Ligia Rodrigues Macedo, Diego Romário-Silva, Mayara Aparecida Rocha Garcia, Suzana Gonçalves Carvalho, Paola da Mata Siqueira Mesut, Ana Claudia Castelã Nascimento Prates, Luis Octávio Regasini, Marlus Chorilli, Rafael Leonardo Xediek Consani and Janaina de Cássia Orlandi Sardi
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5030047 - 28 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: Prosthetic candidiasis remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly due to the ability of Candida species to form resilient biofilms on dental prostheses, which limits the efficacy of conventional antifungal treatments. In this context, developing strategies to prevent or reduce biofilm formation is [...] Read more.
Background: Prosthetic candidiasis remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly due to the ability of Candida species to form resilient biofilms on dental prostheses, which limits the efficacy of conventional antifungal treatments. In this context, developing strategies to prevent or reduce biofilm formation is essential. Objectives This study investigates the antifungal and antibiofilm potential of a hydrogel formulation incorporating aminochalcone AM-35 as a candidate for the prevention and treatment of prosthetic candidiasis. Methods: To achieve this, experiments were conducted to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aminochalcone AM-35 against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis strains. AM-35 was incorporated into a hydrogel, which was subsequently tested on biofilms formed by these yeast species, both individually and in combination. The experimental disks were sterilized and incubated with C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and a mixture of both strains for 120 h to allow biofilm maturation. After contamination, the samples were divided into four experimental groups: Group 1: Hydrogel; Group 2: Hydrogel+AM-35; Group 3: Sodium hypochlorite (positive control); and Group 4: No treatment. The samples were then subjected to a sonication process to disaggregate the cells, which were then cultured on plates for colony-forming unit (CFU/mL) counts. The hydrogel’s toxicity was evaluated in vivo using the Galleria mellonella model. Results: The hydrogel formulation demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with an MIC of 7.8 μg/mL for C. albicans and 3.9 μg/mL for C. tropicalis. Treatment with the hydrogel at a concentration of 39 μg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in the formation and viability of mixed-species biofilms (p < 0.05). Additionally, the results indicated robust activity against C. albicans and C. tropicalis without presenting toxicity in the Galleria mellonella model. In conclusion, the hydrogel formulation exhibited effective antibiofilm activity, significantly reducing the microbial load. Conclusions: These findings open new possibilities for the development of alternative treatments for prosthetic candidiasis. The research suggests that the use of chalcone-based compounds may represent a promising approach in combating fungal infections in dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3285 KB  
Article
Effects of Polydatin on Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish Larvae
by Fernanda Barros de Miranda, Lucia Emanueli Schimith, Dennis Guilherme da Costa Silva, Camila de Oliveira Vian, Diele Bopsin da Luz, Rafael Felipe de Aguiar, Crístian Yan Montana da Rocha, Anna Maria Siebel, Jean Pierre Oses and Mariana Appel Hort
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5020022 - 15 May 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by the occurrence of a seizure. It affects around 50 million individuals worldwide, and despite the large quantity of anti-seizure medications available, 30% of epileptic patients still suffer from seizures. Therefore, it is necessary to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition characterized by the occurrence of a seizure. It affects around 50 million individuals worldwide, and despite the large quantity of anti-seizure medications available, 30% of epileptic patients still suffer from seizures. Therefore, it is necessary to find new therapeutic options. Interestingly, polydatin has shown promising effects on epilepsy treatment due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of polydatin (200, 300, and 400 µM) on a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model in wild-type zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Methods: Seizure-like behavior, cell death, reactive species (RS) production, and lipid peroxidation were analyzed. Results: Pre-treatment with polydatin at 200 and 300 µM did not have a significant impact on seizure occurrence and the behavior of animals exposed to PTZ. Diazepam decreased seizure occurrence and increased the latency to achieve each seizure stage. Exposure to PTZ increased the swimming activity, and this effect was suppressed by diazepam but not by polydatin. PTZ exposure increased the RS production, which was significantly attenuated by polydatin at 400 µM and DMSO. Cell death and lipid peroxidation were not changed when compared to the experimental groups. Conclusions: Only the experimental positive control (diazepam) showed anti-seizure effects. Therefore, we failed to observe any anti-seizure effects of polydatin using a zebrafish experimental model. However, we cannot rule out its effects in other experimental models and different treatment protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1224 KB  
Review
Next-Generation Cancer Models for Drug Testing: Recent Advances in Immunocompetent Microphysiological Systems
by Marlene Große, Martin Burchardt and Pedro Caetano Pinto
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5030036 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 589
Abstract
The success of checkpoint inhibitors in improving cancer patient survival has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of immunotherapies. This advancement has reshaped oncology treatment and driven interest in harnessing immune modulation for a wider range of diseases. However, developing drugs that modulate immune activity [...] Read more.
The success of checkpoint inhibitors in improving cancer patient survival has demonstrated the therapeutic potential of immunotherapies. This advancement has reshaped oncology treatment and driven interest in harnessing immune modulation for a wider range of diseases. However, developing drugs that modulate immune activity presents unique challenges. A major limitation in preclinical research is the inefficiency of testing human-specific immune targets in animal models, which often fail to translate to clinical outcomes. Additionally, conventional in vitro systems lack immune reactivity due to their static and monocellular nature, limiting their predictive value. Advanced in vitro models can bridge this gap by offering increasingly relevant human physiology for testing drug efficacy and safety, along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). In particular, immune-competent spheroids, organoids, and organs-on-a-chip (OoC) have emerged as promising tools. Although still in their infancy, these microphysiological systems (MPSs) have demonstrated the feasibility of replicating immune responses ex vivo, providing a new avenue for studying immune-targeting drugs with higher translational potential. In this review, we explore recent advances in immune-competent organoid and OoC models, highlighting their capabilities and limitations. We provide a perspective on their applications for cancer drug testing, discussing how these systems could refine preclinical immuno-oncology research and accelerate the development of next-generation immunotherapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 559 KB  
Review
Mirogabalin for Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Non-Opioid Pharmacotherapy with Insights from Japan
by Mizuho Sumitani, Takamichi Kogure, Hiroaki Abe, Rikuhei Tsuchida, Reo Inoue and Masahiko Sumitani
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5030031 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2009
Abstract
Background and Aim: Neuropathic pain leads to a significant deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treating neuromusculoskeletal pain is especially important to prevent and improve physical frailty and the locomotive syndrome. Varied pharmacotherapies could be applicable for neuropathic pain patients, but evidence [...] Read more.
Background and Aim: Neuropathic pain leads to a significant deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Treating neuromusculoskeletal pain is especially important to prevent and improve physical frailty and the locomotive syndrome. Varied pharmacotherapies could be applicable for neuropathic pain patients, but evidence has been limited for a wide range of neuropathic pain conditions with different etiologies. The aim of this review was to highlight mirogabalin, a novel calcium channel α2δ ligand which was first approved in Japan, and which is effective for various types of neuropathic pain diseases. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the recent evidence that mirogabalin has significant analgesic potency for varied types of neuropathic pain conditions. Futher, this review highlighted specific advantages over other calcium channel ligands. Results: Analgesic potency of mirogabalin could cover peripheral neuropathic pain conditions including post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, cauda equina syndrome caused by lumbar spinal stenosis, radiculopathy caused by cervical spondylosis, and also central neuropathic pain conditions like spinal cord injury. Mirogabalin consistently demonstrated daytime sleepiness and dizziness as adverse effects, but most of these were mild. Conclusions: Mirogabalin is recommended as the first-line drug against most molecular mechanisms that cause neuropathic pain regardless of whether they have a peripheral or central origin. Mirogabalin demonstrates relatively less daytime sleepiness, making it age-friendly in the current global situation where population aging is accelerated. Considering the epidemic of ‘opiophobia’ in Japan and other countries, pharmacotherapy using mirogabalin could treat neuropathic pain associated with cancer and its treatment (e.g., chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy), as well as non-cancer etiologies worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 306 KB  
Review
Individualized Management of Osteoarthritis: The Role of Pharmacogenomics to Optimize Pain Therapy
by Isabella M. Sturgeon and Youssef M. Roman
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5020030 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial, degenerative joint disease that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life, especially among older adults. The growing aging population and increasing obesity rates are expected to increase the incidence and prevalence of OA. In the absence of Disease-Modifying [...] Read more.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial, degenerative joint disease that significantly impairs mobility and quality of life, especially among older adults. The growing aging population and increasing obesity rates are expected to increase the incidence and prevalence of OA. In the absence of Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) for OA, current treatment strategies largely focus on symptom relief rather than disease modification. These symptomatic treatments often fail to account for the substantial inter-individual variability in drug response. Pharmacogenomics (PGx), the study of how genetic variation influences drug response, offers a promising approach to personalize OA therapy. This review explores the clinical and pharmacogenomic considerations of commonly used OA medications—acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), duloxetine, and tramadol—focusing on gene–drug interactions that influence efficacy, safety, and metabolism. Evidence-based recommendations from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guidelines are discussed, where applicable, to highlight actionable genetic variants in very important pharmacogenes such as CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and other important drug-metabolizing encoding genes such as CYP2E1 and UGT1A6. While PGx data are not currently embedded in OA clinical treatment guidelines, their integration into clinical practice may enhance therapeutic outcomes and minimize adverse drug events. This review underscores the potential of PGx as a clinical tool in OA pain management, paving the way toward truly personalized medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

25 pages, 2176 KB  
Review
AI-Driven Chemical Design: Transforming the Sustainability of the Pharmaceutical Industry
by Antonio Ruiz-Gonzalez
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5020024 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1783
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining innovation in drug development. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool across healthcare and drug discovery, yet its potential to drive sustainability by improving molecular design remains underexplored. [...] Read more.
The pharmaceutical industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining innovation in drug development. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool across healthcare and drug discovery, yet its potential to drive sustainability by improving molecular design remains underexplored. This review critically examines the applications of AI in molecular design that can support in advancing greener pharmaceutical practices across the entire drug life cycle—from design and synthesis to waste management and solvent optimisation. We explore how AI-driven models are being used to personalise dosing, reduce pharmaceutical waste, and design biodegradable drugs with enhanced environmental compatibility. Significant advances have also been made in the predictive modelling of pharmacokinetics, drug–polymer interactions, and polymer biodegradability. AI’s role in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical compounds, including catalysts, enzymes, solvents, and synthesis pathways, is also examined. We highlight recent breakthroughs in protein engineering, biocatalyst stability, and heterogeneous catalyst screening using generative and language models. This review also explores opportunities and limitations in the field. Despite progress, several limitations constrain impact. Many AI models are trained on small or inconsistent datasets or rely on computationally intensive inputs that limit scalability. Moreover, a lack of standardised performance metrics and life cycle assessments prevents the robust evaluation of AI’s true environmental benefits. In particular, the environmental impact of AI-driven molecules and synthesis pathways remains poorly quantified due to limited data on emissions, waste, and energy usage at the compound level. Finally, a summary of challenges and future directions in the field is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1428 KB  
Review
Scientifically Supported Best Practices in Leachable Screening Studies for Pharmaceutical and Parenteral Drug Products
by Arvind Singh Gusain, Subhash Chandra, Isaac Moura Araújo, João Paulo Martins de Lima and Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5020018 - 12 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1741
Abstract
Purpose: Pharmaceutical parenteral drug products (PDPs) and orally inhaled nasal drug products (OINDPs) are critical medications for patient care, for which the route of administration is intravenous or oral/nasal inhalation, and the drug products directly infuse into the bloodstream or lungs, but they [...] Read more.
Purpose: Pharmaceutical parenteral drug products (PDPs) and orally inhaled nasal drug products (OINDPs) are critical medications for patient care, for which the route of administration is intravenous or oral/nasal inhalation, and the drug products directly infuse into the bloodstream or lungs, but they are categorized as high-risk for leachables. Method: These external foreign chemical substances (leachables) may adversely affect and alter patient safety. Results: These primary container closure systems and manufacturing process equipment mainly comprise rubber elastomers, polypropylene, resin, ink, adhesives, glass, or plastic material. To establish the ID of detected compounds and their quantity in the finished parenteral drug formulation and then to assess the formulation for toxicological safety, broad-scope non-specific analytical screening methods are required that are capable of screening out and quantifying the predicted/unpredicted leachable compounds at the levels that pose anticipated toxicological concerns for human patients. Before the selection of the final primary packaging system for the parenteral drug product, their extractable screening profile/knowledge is required to minimize leachable compounds in the finished drug product formulation and to develop and manufacture a safe product for human patients. The adverse effect or toxicity of leachables proportionally increases with an increase in the dose of the drug product or the duration of therapy because the volume of the drug product administered to a patient in a larger quantity is directly proportional to the concentration of the detected leachable. Conclusion: This document outlines the detailed process/scientific approach for conducting an organic leachable screening profile for parenteral drug products with respect to the chemical nature of leachables, i.e., polarity, propensity, volatility, and techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1245 KB  
Review
Anticancer Efficacy of Decursin: A Comprehensive Review with Mechanistic Insights
by Tanzila Akter Eity, Md. Shimul Bhuia, Raihan Chowdhury, Md. Arman Ali, Mst Muslima Khatun, Salehin Sheikh, Md. Sakib Al Hasan, Rubel Hasan, Ivo Cavalcante Pita Neto, Isaac Moura Araújo, Henrique D. M. Coutinho and Muhammad Torequl Islam
Future Pharmacol. 2025, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/futurepharmacol5020017 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1476
Abstract
Introduction: Decursin is a pyranocoumarin natural phytochemical found in the Angelica gigas Nakai herb, which shows various therapeutic properties and beneficial effects against various diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to find the anticancer potential of decursin and its molecular mechanisms [...] Read more.
Introduction: Decursin is a pyranocoumarin natural phytochemical found in the Angelica gigas Nakai herb, which shows various therapeutic properties and beneficial effects against various diseases. Objective: The aim of this study was to find the anticancer potential of decursin and its molecular mechanisms involved with different anticancer effects. Methodology: All of the relevant data concerning this compound and cancer were collected using different scientific search engines, including PubMed, Scopus, Springer Link, Wiley Online, Web of Science, Scifinder, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Results: This study found that decursin shows anticancer properties through various mechanisms, such as apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, autophagy, inhibition of angiogenesis, cytotoxicity, and the inhibition of invasion and migration against a number of cancers, including breast, bladder, lung, colon, skin, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and bone cancers. This study also discovered that decursin has the ability to affect several signaling pathways in the molecular anticancer mechanisms, such as the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Findings also revealed that decursin expresses poor oral bioavailability. Conclusions: Based on the data analysis from this literature-based study, decursin has properties to be considered as a potential candidate in the treatment of cancer. However, more clinical research is suggested to establish proper efficacy, safety, and human dosage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Future Pharmacology 2025)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop