A project by University of Navarra professors Conchita Tros de Ilarduya, Carmen Martín, Mª del Mar Goñi and Cristina Martínez has received the first runner-up prize at the award LICONSA de Farmacia Galénica. Their research has been recognized as the best work carried out during the last three years in the field of "Controlled release forms of active substances".

The project, graduate "Controlled release dosage forms of oxacepam and sulindac from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone and beta-cyclodextrin matrices", tries to improve the current formulations of some drugs, belonging to two groups of drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (sulindac) and benzodiazepines (oxacepam).

"One of the main current problems in the formulation of some active substances is their poor solubility. Bearing in mind that the adequate absorption of the drug at the site of action depends in most cases on its correct dissolution, we are considering the design and development of two new formulations of sulindac and oxacepam," explains Conchita Tros de Ilarduya.

Reduction of side effects

According to the professor at department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, "these new preparations have managed to increase the dissolution rate, solubility, stability and bioavailability of sulindac, which is expected to reduce some of its most well-known side effects, such as its ulcerogenic capacity". Conchita Tros de Ilarduya emphasizes that "the results obtained make the carriers used in these formulations and their future derivatives potential alternatives to traditional drug administration".

"The awarding of the award - he continues - has been an important stimulus to continue working, especially in areas of basic research , the hidden face of many of the scientific results that are disseminated, but which is the foundation on which new achievements in applied research are always based."