SSP Modern Pharmacy and Medicine is a distinguished, peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to advancing the frontiers of pharmaceutical sciences and medical research. The journal aims to disseminate cutting-edge knowledge and promote interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and healthcare professionals. By focusing on modern pharmaceutical advancements, medical breakthroughs, and their practical applications, the journal serves as a prominent platform for sharing critical insights that contribute to the improvement of healthcare and patient outcomes. ISSN 2733-368X
Scientific Research Establishment of Innovations for Future LLC
Modern Methods of Hirudotherapy During the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Prospects for the Use of Artificial Intelligence
The quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis includes health, social ties, living conditions, professional activity, treatment effectiveness, access to modern medical care, pharmaceutical provision of medicines of all clinical-pharmacological, nomenclature-legal and classification-legal groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common chronic autoimmune diseases. It causes disability and deterioration of the quality of life of millions of patients in the world. The article is devoted to the analysis of modern approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of patients using hirudotherapy in combination with traditional pharmacotherapy. The results of studies on the effectiveness of the use of medical leeches, which helps reduce pain, swelling, improve microcirculation and reduce the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, are presented. Special attention is paid to the potential of artificial intelligence in rheumatology: from early diagnosis and monitoring to personalized selection of therapy and rehabilitation measures. The results indicate the feasibility of integrating hirudotherapy and digital artificial intelligence technologies in the complex treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nataliia Matsko, Nataliia Pokhmurska-Hudym, Aksiniia Netliukh, Zoryana Ambrozevych (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of the Fractures Risk in Patients with Nephrolithiasis
Kidney stone disease is a common polyetiological urological disease that is also often combined with bone mineral density (BMD) disorders. Currently, no common recommendations exist for managing patients with comorbid conditions such as osteoporosis and kidney stone disease. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate bone mineral density, the trabecular bone score index, fracture risk assessment tool and trabecular bone score-adjusted fracture risk assessment tool risk in patients with nephrolithiasis. Materials and methods. The study was conducted based on the Urology Department of the O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv (Oleksandrivska Clinical Hospital, Kyiv), Department of Urology, Kyiv Regional Clinical Hospital, Kyiv, Ukraine. 80 patients took part in the study, among them 15 men and 65 women. All patients were divided into 2 groups. The 1st group with somatic diseases in remission without kidney stone disease and those without exclusion criteria (32 patients, women 31 (96.9%), men – 1 (3.1%), age 64 [58-72] y.o. The II group was introduced patients with kidney stone disease (48 patients, women – 34 (70.8%), men – 14 (29.2%), age 55.5[51.5-62.5] y.o. Results. Comparative analysis of X-ray densitometry did not establish a difference between bone mineral density in the comparison groups. However, the trabecular bone score was lower in patients with kidney stone disease (p=0.02). When evaluating anamnestic data in patients with the presence of nephrolithiasis, no differences were found in the frequency of fractures in the past (p<0.05). According to the 10-year assessment of the probability of fractures, the value of fracture risk assessment tool all trabecular bone score in the II group is probably higher, both in comparison with the I group and the fracture risk assessment tool all indicator. Conclusions. The need to recalculate the 10-year fracture prognosis taking into account the fracture risk assessment tool all trabecular bone score index is very relevant in patients with nephrolithiasis, as it can help to start therapy as early as possible to prevent fractures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oleg Nikitin, Illia Kordubailo, Olha Nishkumay, Mike K.S. Chan, Michelle B.F. Wong, Dmytro Klokol, Oksana Zaytseva, Hennadii Reznikov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
An Innovative Multidisciplinary Approach to Thyroid Research: Modern Problems and Solutions
A 15-year, innovative, multidisciplinary experimental and theoretical study was conducted to investigate the peculiarities of thyroid functioning at the systemic-somatic, tissue-organ, and organelle-cell levels of the structural and functional hierarchy, focusing on the correction of hypo- and hyperthyroidism with organic and inorganic iodine. The object of the study was the thyroid glands, liver, adrenal glands, and body weight of male albino rats. Basic biomedical, histological, histochemical, and electron microscopic methods were used. On the systemiс-somatic level, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed that the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and liver constitute an integral “functional module”; regression analysis proved that changes in the weight of these organs have a provable impact on changes in body weight. Research at the tissue-organ level has improved and expanded the existing data on biochemical and histochemical features of thyroid hormone production. The presented work highlights the results of the research on follicular cells on the organelle-cell level. The use of the principles of cluster analysis and fuzzy logic, the principle of phase interval, mathematical statistics, and Pearson’s correlation analysis as a package of specially selected mathematical methods formed the basis of the author’s methods – semi-quantitative analysis of electronograms and determination of hormonopoietic cells’ special capabilities profiles. The correlation portraits of connections between organelles, implementing the synthetic, secretory, transport, and energy activities of follicular cells, were created with their help. These portraits served to research the peculiarities of cell components’ interactions, making it possible to expand the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms regulating thyroid hormone production. The features of the thyroid gland functioning while taking organic and inorganic iodine formed the basis of recommendations for the prevention and correction of iodine deficiency states with iodine of different chemical natures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olha Ryabukha (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morgellons Disease as a Multisystem Problem: Analysis of Hypotheses, Scientific Evidence, How Artificial Intelligence Helps
Morgellons disease is a rare and controversial disease. It combines dermatological, infectious, and psychiatric manifestations. It is characterized by the formation of skin lesions with filaments emanating from the tissues. Also, by sensory phenomena in the form of a crawling or stinging sensation under the skin. As well as systemic symptoms, including chronic fatigue and cognitive disorders. The article analyzes the literature and clinical reports that highlight the infectious and psychiatric hypotheses, morphological and biochemical features, sociocultural factors, and problems of diagnosis and treatment. It is established that Morgellons disease remains uncertain in the nosological classification, which complicates the creation of unified approaches to its management. At the same time, the need for a multidisciplinary, multisystemic approach that integrates dermatology, infectious diseases, biochemistry, microbiology, clinical diagnostics, immunology, psychiatry, and psychology is emphasized. The conclusion is made about the urgent need for conducting systematic studies of etiology and pathogenesis, developing standardized diagnostic criteria and therapeutic protocols, as well as overcoming the stigmatization of patients. The help of artificial intelligence opens new opportunities for early diagnosis of Morgellons disease through the analysis of large arrays of clinical and laboratory data, recognition of dermatological images and prediction of the course of the disease. The use of machine learning algorithms contributes to more accurate differential diagnosis between infectious, dermatological, and psychiatric manifestations, which helps to minimize false diagnoses. The use of artificial intelligence in telemedicine and clinical practice of Morgellons disease allows for a personalized approach to treatment, optimizing the choice of therapeutic strategies and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. The integration of artificial intelligence technologies into research and clinical practice is considered a promising direction for overcoming diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in Morgellons disease.
Copyright (c) 2025 Viktoriia Shapovalova (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pharmacopoeial Standards for Medical Circulation and Use of Cannabis: From Forensic Pharmaceutical and Forensic Narcological Problems of Cannabinoid Addiction to Ensuring Quality Control During the Treatment of Patients with Cannabis Medicines
The article analyzes current data on the medical use of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and its main bioactive components. A historical overview of the use of hemp in ancient civilizations and pharmacopoeias of the 18th-19th centuries is provided, and the reasons for limiting its use in the 20th century are outlined. The pharmacological properties of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, mechanisms of action through the endocannabinoid system, therapeutic effects, and potential risks are characterized. Evidence-based medicine data on the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and cancer are presented. Special attention is paid to the pharmacopoeial standards of Cannabis flos, methods of identification and quality control, requirements for the content of active substances and impurities, as well as the prospects for harmonizing the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine with the European Pharmacopoeia. Cannabinoid dependence within the ICD-10 and ICD-11, the algorithm for determining its status, and social risks are analyzed. Separately, the international experience of legalizing medical cannabis (USA, Canada, Israel, EU countries) and the possibilities of its implementation in Ukraine are considered. The conclusion is made about the need for an interdisciplinary approach that combines medical, pharmaceutical and legal aspects, which will allow forming a balanced strategy for the implementation of medical cannabis in clinical practice in Ukraine.
Copyright (c) 2025 Olena Lavoshnyk, Valerii Shapovalov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Modern and Promising Strategies for Treatment of Alopecia in the United States: Clinical and Pharmacological, Marketing, Regulatory, SWOT Analysis
Alopecia is a common chronic condition that has a significant medical and social impact, including on the psychological comfort and quality of life of patients. The most common forms are androgenetic and alopecia areata. Treatment includes both drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cosmetics without regulatory approval. Despite progress in pharmacotherapy, the problem of complete and stable hair restoration remains relevant. The aim is to comprehensively analyze modern drugs for the treatment of alopecia used in the US, taking into account their clinical and pharmacological efficacy, safety, economic availability, regulatory status and market development prospects. An analytical review was conducted using FDA data, scientific publications, official sources of manufacturers, price aggregators (GoodRx, Drugs.com). The objects of analysis were six FDA-approved drugs (minoxidil, finasteride, triamcinolone, clobetasol, baricitinib, ritlecitinib) and one cosmetic product without FDA approval (HydraFacial Keravive Peptide Complex). Clinical-pharmacological, documentary, regulatory, comparative, marketing and SWOT analysis of market trends were applied. It was found that minoxidil and finasteride remain the most affordable and have a significant evidence base of effectiveness. JAK inhibitors (baricitinib, rituximab) demonstrate high clinical results in patients with alopecia areata. However, their cost significantly exceeds the average level of financial capabilities of most patients. Corticosteroids (triamcinolone, clobetasol) retain an important role in the treatment of inflammatory forms of alopecia. Cosmetic products, in particular Keravive Serum, are used as additional methods to improve the condition of the scalp and stimulate hair growth. SWOT analysis revealed the market strengths (availability of drugs with proven efficacy), weaknesses (high cost of innovative drugs), opportunities (development of combination therapy, telemedicine and telepharmacy) and threats (regulatory restrictions, economic barriers to accessibility). The market for alopecia treatment in the US is characterized by a combination of traditional and innovative products. The most promising areas of development are the introduction of innovative drugs (in particular, JAK inhibitors), combined treatment regimens, as well as expanding access to therapy using telemedicine, telepharmacy and online pharmacies. To increase the effectiveness of treatment, individualization of therapeutic strategies is necessary, taking into account the clinical form of alopecia, the patient's financial capabilities and the prognosis for response to treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Khrystyna Malaniuk (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diagnosis and Treatment of Pleural Cavity Empyema
Pleural empyema remains a serious medical problem, accompanied by a high incidence, a complex clinical course and significant mortality. The article presents the results of a multi-year study of 556 patients who were treated at the Pulmonary Health Center of Lviv in 2017–2024. The clinical forms, etiology, radiological and ultrasound signs of empyema are analyzed, as well as the applied methods of diagnosis and treatment: pleural punctures, drainage, antibiotic therapy, thoracoplasty, decortication. Indications for surgical interventions and features of the course of pleural empyema are given. The importance of early diagnosis, a personalized approach to treatment and prevention of medical errors in the context of the development of telemedicine is emphasized. This large, single-center cohort reflects routine clinical practice in a high-volume referral facility, offering robust, generalizable evidence for settings with constrained resources and rising antimicrobial resistance. By integrating radiologic–sonographic criteria with procedural outcomes, the work clarifies triage, optimizes timing of intervention, and guides antibiotic stewardship, supporting standardized care pathways and telemedicine-enabled follow-up. The findings have immediate implications for guideline refinement, training of multidisciplinary teams, and reduction of complications and length of stay ultimately improving survival, preserving lung function, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. The results obtained may be useful for improving the tactics of managing patients with pleural empyema and reducing the risk of chronicity of the disease.
Copyright (c) 2025 Oleksandr Nevzghoda (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Interdisciplinary Evaluation of Phytotherapy Resource Calendula Officinalis L. in Patients with Tuberculosis and Combined Pathologies
The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the pharmacotherapeutic potential and marketing aspects of the use of medicinal products based on Calendula officinalis L. in patients with tuberculosis complicated by comorbid conditions. Particular attention is paid to the clinical feasibility of using calendula herbal preparations as part of palliative and supportive therapy, taking into account frequent lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, mucous membranes, skin, respiratory tract and genitourinary system. Based on the results of the content analysis of registration information and the assortment of the Ukrainian market, the current calendula preparations were systematized by release forms, ATC classification and manufacturers. A SWOT marketing analysis was conducted to determine the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats regarding the presence of this group of herbal remedies on the domestic pharmaceutical market. Regulatory challenges were considered and proposals for their inclusion in state support programs and clinical protocols of supportive treatment were substantiated. The authors emphasize the feasibility of wider use of Calendula officinalis L. in the pharmacotherapy of tuberculosis in order to improve the quality of life of patients and increase the effectiveness of the main treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alina Osyntseva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Theoretical and Practical Aspects of the Use of Innovative Quantum (Bioquantum) Technologies in Chronic Pancreatitis
The article provides an interdisciplinary review of the potential of quantum approaches in the complex treatment of chronic pancreatitis. It considers modern ideas about the pathogenesis of the disease, considering the role of neuroendocrine regulation, chronic inflammation, and disorders of intercellular interaction. It identifies the theoretical foundations of quantum biology and bioinformation processes that can affect the physiological mechanisms of the body. It analyzes the results of clinical observations and scientific publications on the use of bioquantum and bioresonance therapy in functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Particular attention is paid to the advantages of this approach: non-invasiveness, accessibility, compatibility with other pathological conditions, impact on the psychosomatic sphere, safety, and the possibility of personalized treatment. The feasibility of integrating bioquantum technologies into multidisciplinary treatment strategies based on the principles of evidence-based medicine, bioinformatics, and an individual approach is argued. Promising directions for further research are identified and the need for legal regulation in the field of quantum medicine is emphasized.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iurii Titarenko (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Relevance of Impact of Non-Drug Methods on Neuroplasticity in System of Neurorehabilitation: Multilevel Neuroplastic Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Caused by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Strategic cooperation between clinical research institutions engaged in medical research and pharmaceutical companies focused on identifying and testing targets aimed at creating new innovative, high-quality, safe, effective and affordable medicines to address the therapeutic needs of patients suffering from psychoneurological and related health disorders (multiple sclerosis, neuro-oncology, post-traumatic stress disorder, stroke, drug addiction, alcoholism, etc.) in accordance with the state guarantee program and ICD-11. At the same time, the relevance of the impact of non-drug methods on neuroplasticity in the neurorehabilitation system of patients is beyond doubt. The authors addressed the impact of non-drug methods on neuroplasticity in the neurorehabilitation system. Multilevel neuroplastic effects of electromagnetic fields caused by transcranial magnetic stimulation are presented. The effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on neurotransmitters and synaptic plasticity, glial cells and the prevention of neuronal death are examined. The neurotrophic effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the growth of dendrites, growth and neurotrophic factors are described. The effect of transcranial magnetic stimulation on the genetic apparatus of neurons is traced. It has been demonstrated that transcranial magnetic stimulation has a proven ability to modulate the internal activity of the brain in a frequency-dependent manner, generate contralateral responses, provide, along with the neuromodulatory and neurostimulating effect, influence the brain as a global dynamic system.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maksym Chernenko (Translator); Tetiana Nehreba, Nataliya Voloshyna, Vitaliy Vasylovskyy, Tetiana Pohulaieva, Ivan Voloshyn-Haponov Voloshyn-Haponov (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gliocyte Secretomes as a Source of Growth Factors Affecting the Female Reproductive System
In the context of a growing global trend toward delayed motherhood, which is often accompanied by age-related decline in ovarian reserve and impaired reproductive function, research aimed at developing novel strategies for the assisted reproductive technologies is gaining particular significance. One of the promising approaches is the use of cell-based products in particular biologically active compositions that have a neurotrophin-like effect on the female reproductive system. This study investigates the effects of biologically active compositions—including cryoextracts and conditioned media of cells isolated from the spinal ganglia of neonatal piglets—on the functional state of the reproductive system in female rats at a late reproductive age. Specifically, the study focuses on changes in the parameters of the estrous cycle following administration of these compositions. The results revealed a statistically significant prolongation of the estrus phase in treated animals compared to intact controls, indicating potential activation of ovarian function and a favorable modification of reproductive status. These findings suggest that neurotrophic factors contained in the tested biological products may influence the regulation of primordial follicle development and maintenance of the ovarian reserve. This opens new prospects for the development of therapeutic agents aimed at fertility restoration, particularly in women with diminished ovarian reserve or poor response to conventional gonadotropin stimulation protocols in assisted reproductive technology programs.
Copyright (c) 2025 Galyna Bozhok, Nataliia Komaromi, Viktoriia Ustychenko, Olena Protsenko, Nataliia Remnyova, Yevgen Legach (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Carcinogenicity And Oncogenicity of Precursor/Progenitor Stem Cells of the Xenogeneic Origin: The Balb/C-3t3 Cell Transformation Assay
Stem cell-based therapies represent a transformative advancement in regenerative medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to restore, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Among these, xenogeneic cell therapy—utilizing cells derived from non-human animal sources—has shown therapeutic potential in both preclinical and early clinical settings. Functional improvements have been demonstrated with xenogeneic hepatocytes, pancreatic islet cells, and neural progenitors, highlighting their promise for treating organ dysfunction and degenerative conditions. However, concerns remain regarding the oncogenic risk associated with stem cell-based interventions, particularly those involving xenogeneic sources. To address these concerns, we employed the BALB/c 3T3 Cell Transformation Assay (BALB-CTA), a validated in vitro model replicating key stages of carcinogenesis, to evaluate the tumorigenic potential of various xenogeneic progenitor stem cell cultures. Progenitor cells from multiple tissue lineages were tested for their ability to induce malignant transformation, as evidenced by the formation of morphologically aberrant foci in BALB/c-3T3 cells. While the assay reliably detected transformation with known carcinogens such as 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), none of the xenogeneic progenitor cell cultures exhibited tumor-initiating or promoting activity. Additionally, no lineage-specific differences were observed, indicating a consistent safety profile across different progenitor cell types. These findings support the non-carcinogenic nature of xenogeneic progenitor cell therapies in vitro and provide important preclinical evidence supporting their safety in regenerative medicine applications.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mike K.S. Chan, Michelle B.F. Wong, Shing Yi Pan, Volodymyr Chernykh, Nataliia Shyshkina, Margaryta Yemeliyanova, Dmytro Klokol, Olha Nishkumai, Glen Alvin, Oleg Kobzev, Svitlana Dubynska, Jonathan Lakey (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Telemedicine and Telepharmacy in Modern Healthcare: Innovations, Medical Technologies, Digital Transformation
The article presents an overview of modern approaches to the development of telemedicine and telepharmacy as innovative forms of providing medical and pharmaceutical services at a distance. The historical stages of the formation of telemedicine, its integration into pharmaceutical practice, the main principles of telepharmacy and the formats of its implementation are highlighted. The advantages of using telepharmacy are considered, including increasing the availability of pharmaceutical care, optimizing resources, improving the quality of pharmaceutical care, and reducing the burden on the healthcare system. The challenges and limitations of the development of telepharmacy were analyzed, including legal, ethical, and technological aspects, issues of licensing and personal data protection. Special attention is paid to the international experience of implementing telepharmaceutical services in the USA, EU countries, Canada and Australia. The current state and prospects for the development of telepharmacy in Ukraine in the context of the digitalization of healthcare are described. A special emphasis is placed on the role of artificial intelligence in supporting clinical decisions, automating pharmaceutical consultations, and introducing virtual pharmacists. Recommendations are proposed for the integration of telepharmacy into the national healthcare system and pharmaceutical practice.