RNAs are known for versatile functions and therapeutic utility. They have gained significant interest since the approval of several RNA drugs, including COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and therapeutic agents targeting liver diseases. There are increasing expectations for a new class of RNA drugs for broader applications. Successful development of RNA drugs for new applications hinges on understanding their diverse functions and structures. In this review, we explore the last five years of literature to understand current approaches to formulate a spectrum of RNA drugs, focusing on new efforts to expand their applications beyond vaccines and liver diseases.

Melasma therapy remains challenging due to limited effectiveness, side effects, and relapses. Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is promising but requires further research to optimize its formulation. Alongside the therapeutic benefit of fractional CO2 laser (FCL) in melasma, FCL and microneedling (MN) are recognized methods for transepidermal drug delivery. Nanotechnology-based topicals can enhance drug penetration and reduce side effects. Objectives were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of combined FCL- or MN-assisted transepidermal delivery of TXA 3% gel and FCL monotherapy versus nanotechnology-based TXA 1% microemulsion monotherapy in melasma treatment. Fifty-two melasma females were divided randomly into three groups (A, B & C) for a five-month treatment. Group A (n = 20), using a split-face design, received FCL on the right side (A1) and MN on the left (A2), both with TXA 3% gel applied post-session and daily. Group B (n = 21), also with a split-face design, received FCL with TXA 3% gel post-session only on the right side (B1), while the left side (B2) received FCL alone. Group C (n = 11) received TXA 1% microemulsion daily for the whole face. Evaluations included clinical, dermoscopic, and immunohistochemical SOX10 assessments, with a three-month follow-up. All groups showed a significant reduction of Hemi Melasma Area and Severity Index (Hemi-MASI), dermoscopic, and SOX10 immunoreactivity scores. Groups A1, A2, and C exhibited greater improvement compared to B1 and B2. No recurrence occurred during follow-up. Concluding that TXA 1% microemulsion is effective and safe, procedure-free monotherapy with outcomes comparable to FCL- and MN-assisted TXA 3% gel delivery for melasma.

Ardisia elliptica Thunb is endogenous to Southeast Asia and traditionally used for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections. Previous studies reported various pharmacological activities, including cytotoxic activity. The aim of this work was to identify phytoconstituents of the ethanolic extract of Ardisia elliptica aerial parts using extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR analysis and HR-MS. Additionally, computational techniques were utilized in drug discovery to explore the Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory activity of the identified compounds via molecular docking studies. Twelve structurally diverse compounds were isolated and identified, including two undescribed phenolic C-glycosides (2 and 5). Furthermore, our in silico studies on the isolates identified the LSD1 and QS inhibitory potential against Chromobacterium violaceum strain. The study revealed that soulieana acid (4) possess a significantly high docking score to LSD1 (S −12 kcal mol⁻¹), while the megastigmane (8) exhibited the best binding interactions to CviR QS protein (S ≈ −13 kcal mol⁻¹). Taken together, these findings contribute to justifying the pharmacological and traditional use of the plant, demanding further studies on their suitability as candidates for the development of anticancer and antibacterial drugs.