Pidotimod, an immunostimulant, is researched for over two decades. Current evidence indicates its utility in a variety of indications in children as well as in adults. Its immunostimulant activity has been firmly established in the management of recurrent respiratory infections in children with or without asthma. Compared to standard of care alone, addition of pidotimod to standard of care significantly prevents the recurrences and reduces the severity and duration of acute episodes, ultimately resulting in reduced visits to pediatric clinics and lower absenteeism at school. In adults, pidotimod is effective in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Further, it has been evaluated in indications such as pneumonia, hand–food–mouth disease, bronchiectasis, and chronic idiopathic urticaria. From a total of 32 studies conducted in child (24 studies) and adult (8 studies) population, this in-depth review discusses the current evidence of pidotimod. With further exploration, the immunostimulant activity of pidotimod might be extended to different immunological disorders.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the most common infections in childhood. Due to the weaning of maternal immunity during the first year of life and relative immaturity of the immune system, children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years are predisposed to RTIs. Several guidelines are available from western countries on the diagnosis and management of RRTIs. However, owing to the economic, nutritional, environmental, geographic, and social diversity of India, the practical approach to RRTIs, especially, the recurrent URTIs, is likely to differ warranting the need for local guidelines. This expert consensus offers a practical guide for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of recurrent URTIs in pediatric outpatient settings in India.

Objectives To ensure that the marketed product is irritant-free, extensive premarket clinical testing of cosmetic products is necessary. Therefore, the present study evaluated the skin irritation reactions of the test product Venusia Max Cream-Paraben-free using a patch test. Material and methods This single group, blinded, controlled trial was conducted to compare our test product with negative saline and positive SLS control in healthy human subjects aged between 18 and 53 years (mean age of 30.93 years) having Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification III-V. During an initial phase, a patch dipped in test product, negative and positive control were applied under occlusion to the upper arm of participants and removed after 24 hours. Clinical evaluation of skin reactions (erythema, edema, dryness, and scaling wrinkling) in the area of the test product, negative and positive control after 24 hours of patch removal and then were scored based on the Draize scale. Results A total of 30 subjects were initiated and completed the study. Scoring for skin irritation (erythema/dryness/wrinkles/edema) of the subjects were evaluated based on Draize’s scale between test product, positive, and negative control. The combined mean score, i.e., of erythema/dryness/wrinkles, and edema was 0.00 in test product and negative control whereas 2.60 in the positive control. No adverse events or intolerances were reported due to the test product. Conclusion Venusia Max Cream-Paraben-free was dermatologically tested and found to be nonirritant.

Objectives: Comedogenicity is a critical factor in making of cosmetics and skin care products. The term “acne cosmetica” was coined to link the relationship between female acne to the use of cosmetic formulations, stating that the ingredients used in the cosmetic formulations have the potential to evoke a comedogenic response or produce comedones. Therefore, it is important that a skin care product is non-comedogenic and efficacious at the same time. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the comedogenic potential of the test product (Venusia Max Cream – paraben free) when applied topically under occluded patch to the skin. Material and Methods: This was a randomized, double-blinded, comparative study conducted in 24 healthy female participants, with prominent follicular orifices on the upper back region. Comedogenic potential of the test product (Venusia Max Cream – paraben free) was evaluated in comparison to positive (coconut oil) and negative (glycerin) controls in women. Each participant received topical application of test and control products under occluded patch to the skin on the upper aspect of the back, 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Cyanoacrylate biopsies were performed before and after treatment to determine the microcomedones histologically. Microcomedones were graded using light microscopy and results were analyzed based on scale rating (0–3). Results: The mean comedone grading was assessed between positive versus negative control, and positive control versus test product. The mean comedone grades were significantly less in test product 0.41 ± 0.50 and negative control 0.82 ± 0.73 in comparison to positive control 2.09 ± 0.68. The test product was least comedogenic in this study. Furthermore, no adverse events were reported during the study period. Conclusion: Based on the histological evidence, Venusia Max Cream (paraben free) is a non-comedogenic, plant-based intense moisturizing cream and its use in regular skin care routine can be beneficial, particularly for acne prone and dry skin as it improves the skin hydration levels.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), after the application of the test product (Venusia Max Lotion [Paraben, Alcohol, Mineral Oil, and Animal Origin (PAMA)] free). Material and Methods: The study was a single-center, non-randomized, observational study. Test product was compared to control sites after application on volar forearms of women with dry skin. Hydration and TEWL measurements at baseline, after 12 hours, 24 hours and 36 hours of product application were done under the occluded and unoccluded condition. Results: The study was completed with 30 female subjects. Increase in the mean MMSC values was significantly greater on test product site as compared to control site, at all-time points. For TEWL readings over 36 h, when kept occluded and unoccluded, respectively, there were no significant differences in TEWL readings between the test product site and control site at any time points. Conclusion: The test product, Venusia Max Lotion (PAMA free), can be useful in maintaining the skin barrier properties and significantly improving skin hydration in individuals with dry skin or dry skin-related conditions.