In the race to unlock the secrets of longevity, one of the most exciting areas of research is mitochondrial health. These tiny organelles, often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell, are responsible for producing the energy (ATP) that fuels every cell in the body. As we age, mitochondrial function tends to decline, leading to reduced energy, increased oxidative stress and accelerated aging. Maximizing mitochondrial health has emerged as a key strategy for extending both lifespan and health span — how long we live and how well we live.1

Our Profiles in Personalized Medicine highlights Erik Nelson, PharmD, FAAMFM, FACA, owner of Koru Pharmacy in Spokane, Washington. Erik shares what “Compounding: It’s Personal” means in his pharmacy, his motivation to become a compounding pharmacist, a special patient success story and more. Erik has been a proud PCCA member since 2013.

In a woman’s life, the absence of menstruation for 12 months marks the official beginning of menopause. Waning ovarian function coupled with declining circulating hormone levels spark natural menopause, but menopause may also occur as result of surgical procedures such as following a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy. Commonly reported symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood swings and weight gain,1 with an estimated 70% of menopausal women experiencing weight gain.

You’re likely familiar with semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) used in commercially available prescription medicines for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Are you aware that GLP-1 — the hormone semaglutide is designed to induce — is naturally produced by the body to help promote healthy blood sugar levels, curb cravings and maintain a healthy weight? Or aware of the bacterium in the gut microbiota that induces natural production of GLP-1?

I'm thrilled to speak at the upcoming ThinkNext: International Seminar 2024 (ThinkNext24) in October. My keynote, "The Power of Kindness: Strategies to Unite and Elevate Your Organization," isn't just another feel-good presentation — it's a call to action backed by science and proven results.

Our Profile in Personalized Medicine highlights Neda Debassige Toeg, BSP, RPh, founder and owner of Sweetgrass Pharmacy & Compounding in Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Neda shares her experience as the first Indigenous-owned and operated pharmacy on a reserve in Canada, highlighting the impact on her community and patients. She also shares what motivated her to become a compounding pharmacist, the special role compounders hold in healthcare and more. Nada has been a proud PCCA member since 2019.

Developing pharmaceutical products for pediatric patients typically involves creating age-appropriate, weight-based dosing or considering complex formulations. Many commercially available drugs are not tailored for children, often containing unsafe excipients or being provided in dosage forms unsuitable for pediatric use.

Pharmacy students interested in compounding, networking and learning have some amazing opportunities offered by PCCA Institute, including a scholarship contest to speak at ThinkNext: International Seminar 2024.

Studies show how estrogen deficiency in women decreases skin firmness, impairs wound healing, increases the number and depth of wrinkles, and contributes to skin thinning and dryness.

Revisions to USP 795, which went into effect November 1, 2023, introduce a new position for compounders: the Designated Person. This person or group of persons are responsible for creating and overseeing training, reviewing compounding staff competencies and maintaining training records for all compounding staff members. In this blog, we review the key responsibilities of the Designated Person for training standards and explore solutions that may help drive greater efficiencies in your compounding pharmacy’s training program.