QSAR and Docking Based Screening of Pyrrolidine Derivatives as Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Inhibitors Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Phool Chandra, Vaishali M. Patil Open Medicinal Chemistry Journal, 2026 Introduction Cancer remains a leading global health challenge, with drug resistance, toxicity, and economic burden limiting the effectiveness of existing therapies. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a key gelatinase involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, plays a crucial role in cancer metastasis and represents a promising target for anticancer drug development. Materials and Methods This study focuses on designing novel MMP-2 inhibitors by employing a comprehensive 2D-Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (2D-QSAR) analysis of 71 pyrrolidine derivatives with reported anticancer activity. Docking studies using Autodock Vina software were performed, followed by ADMET analysis using the SwissADME server. Results A robust QSAR model was developed using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis, demonstrating high reliability, statistical significance, and predictive accuracy ( r = 0.918, r 2 cv = 0.842, r 2 pred = 0.798). Discussion Based on QSAR insights, new pyrrolidine derivatives were designed, and their anticancer potential was evaluated through molecular docking studies against MMP-2 (PDB ID: 1HOV). ADMET analysis revealed favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles for all of the designed compounds. Docking studies showed strong binding affinities, highlighting the potential of these compounds as selective and potent MMP-2 inhibitors. Conclusion An integrative approach using QSAR modeling, molecular docking, and ADMET analysis provides a valuable framework for designing effective anticancer agents targeting MMP-2.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Voltage-gated Sodium Channel Inhibitors as Anticonvulsant Agents Preeti Kumari, Rakhi Mishra, Rupa Mazumder, Avijit Mazumder, Vaishali M. Patil Current Neurovascular Research, 2026 Introduction: The objective of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of synthesized hetero fused acylurea derivatives by investigating their ability to bind with voltagegated sodium ion channel receptors, followed by anticonvulsant evaluation. Methods: The research involves synthesizing a series of hetero-fused acylurea compounds (4a-f, 5a-f) and evaluating their anticonvulsant potential. The Cresset Flare software was used for in silico testing against the voltage-gated sodium ion channel receptor (PDB ID: 6SXC). Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) models were used for in vivo testing. The compounds were further assessed using the online SwissADME and Protein Plus software. Results: All the compounds exhibited good binding affinity with the selected receptor, with energies ranging from -3.915 to -5.683 kcal/mol. 3-Amino-N-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoyl) pyrazine-1(2H)-carboxamide (4f) has shown hydrogen bonding for aaLYS A226 (binding affinity of -5.683 kcal/mole) with a bond length of 2.6 Å and was comparable to the standard drug phenytoin (-5.683 kcal/mole). In vivo, study results of the compounds showed an optimum percentage protection range of 34 to 60% against epileptic seizures, compared to 59% protection afforded by phenytoin. Discussion: The synthesized acylurea derivatives demonstrated good sodium-channel binding and moderate to strong anticonvulsant activity. Compound 4f showed the best interaction, comparable to phenytoin, which aligned with its in vivo protection. Overall, the consistent in silico and in vivo results indicate that these molecules, especially 4f, hold promise as lead anticonvulsant candidates. Conclusion: All the synthesized acylurea derivatives possess comparable activity to the standard drug. Thus, it can be concluded that the synthesized analogs are potential candidates for further investigation.
In Silico Investigation of Amidine-Based BACE-1 Inhibitors Against Alzheimer’s Disease: SAR, Pharmacokinetics, Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulations Vaibhav Gandhi, Varun Dewaker, Uma Agarwal, Vaishali M. Patil, Sung Taek Park, et al. Pharmaceuticals, 2026 Background/Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques, derived from the amyloid precursor protein through sequential cleavage by β-secretase 1 (BACE-1) and γ-secretase. BACE-1 is therefore a key drug target for designing of selective inhibitors to avoid off-target effects associated with BACE-2 inhibition. The objective of this study was to design novel BACE-1 inhibitors using a structure-based drug design approach. Methods: A focused compound library was designed based on the SAR of N-(4-fluorophenyl)formamide derivatives. In silico ADME predictions were performed to assess pharmacokinetic suitability. Compounds showing favorable ADME profiles were subjected to molecular docking against the BACE-1 enzyme. The top-scoring hit, compound 9.7 (−5.48 (kcal/mol), was further evaluated using a 200 ns MD simulation to assess the stability of its binding interactions with BACE-1. Results: Designed compounds indicated acceptable physicochemical and ADME characteristics. Molecular docking identified compound 9.7 as exhibiting favorable binding interactions with binding pocket residues of BACE-1. The 200 ns MD simulation further confirmed the stability of the docked complex. MD simulations confirmed that 9.7 forms stable interactions with the catalytic residue ASP32 and key hydrophobic residues TRP115 and PHE108 of BACE-1. These important interactions are absent in the reference compound verubecestat. Conclusions: The multi-step computational analysis suggests that compound 9.7 is a promising and selective BACE-1 inhibitor. Its favorable ADME profile, favorable docking interactions, and stable MD simulation behavior highlight its potential as a hit compound for further optimization in the development of anti-Alzheimer’s agents.
FABRICATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND IN VITRO ANTIFUNGAL ASSESSMENT OF VORICONAZOLE NANOEMULSION Sumita Singh, Vaishali M. Patil, Sarvesh Kumar Paliwal, and Indian Drugs, 2025 Voriconazole, a potent antifungal agent, faces challenges related to poor water solubility and bioavailability, limiting its clinical efficacy. Nanoemulsions offer a promising approach to enhancing drug solubility, stability and potentially improving therapeutic outcomes. This work aims to fabricate a voriconazole-loaded nanoemulsion and to evaluate its in vitro antifungal activity against common fungal pathogens. Voriconazole nanoemulsions were fabricated using the aqueous titration method. Different oil phases, co-surfactants, and surfactants were assessed to optimize the formulation. Among the physicochemical properties of the formulation that were evaluated were droplet size, zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI). The nanoemulsion’s voriconazole in vitro release profile was assessed using a dialysis bag technique. Disc diffusion studies evaluated the antifungal efficaciousness against the Candida strain. A mean droplet size of 120 ± 10 nm, a PDI of 0.15, and a zeta potential of -25 ± 2 mV were observed in the optimized nanoemulsion formulation, suggesting remarkable stability. A prolonged release profile of voriconazole from the nanoemulsion was shown by the in vitro release tests. Evaluations of voriconazole’s antifungal efficacy showed that the nanoemulsion considerably outperformed the commercial formulation regarding voriconazole’s antifungal activity, with lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for both of the fungi under review. The developed voriconazole nanoemulsion shows promising potential as an effective antifungal delivery system, enhancing solubility, stability and antifungal activity. Further, in vivo studies are warranted to validate its clinical applicability and therapeutic benefits.
Role of SDH in Cardiovascular Disorders Vaishali Manikrao Patil, Neeraj Masand, Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy, Satya P. Gupta Deciphering the Role of Succinate Dehydrogenase in Drug Discovery Sdh in Drug Discovery, 2025