Instructions for Author

These guidelines help you prepare a clear, compliant manuscript for Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (JAPST). Following them improves review efficiency and supports rapid publication.

Before you start

JAPST publishes peer reviewed, open access research that advances pharmaceutical science and technology. We value methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and practical relevance to drug development, formulation, and clinical outcomes.

If you have questions about fit, email [email protected] before submission. We encourage authors to review recent JAPST articles for scope and style.

Journal at a glance

ISSN: 2328-0182 | DOI prefix: 10.14302/issn.2328-0182 | License: CC BY 4.0 | Open access publishing

Article types

We welcome diverse submission formats aligned with pharmaceutical research and practice:

• Original research articles
• Systematic reviews and meta analyses
• Short communications and technical notes
• Methods and protocols
• Clinical or real world evidence studies
• Perspectives, commentaries, and policy analyses

Length and format guidance

Recommended word ranges help reviewers evaluate manuscripts consistently. Typical targets are 6,000 to 8,000 words for original research, 8,000 to 10,000 words for reviews, 2,500 to 3,500 words for short communications, and 4,000 to 6,000 words for methods papers. Word counts exclude references, tables, and figure legends.

Use SI units, define abbreviations on first use, and keep terminology consistent throughout the manuscript. If you use proprietary names, provide generic alternatives in parentheses where possible. Use standard nomenclature for genes, proteins, and chemical compounds. Provide generic drug names first and place trade names in parentheses if needed. Define all abbreviations in the abstract and main text to avoid ambiguity for multidisciplinary readers.

Manuscript preparation

Prepare manuscripts in clear English using a standard word processor (DOCX preferred). Use 12 point font, double spacing, and 1 inch margins. Include page numbers and continuous line numbering when possible.

Title page

• Article title (no more than 30 words) and a running title (60 characters max).
• Full author names and affiliations, including department, institution, city, and country.
• Corresponding author details: email, phone, and mailing address.
• ORCID identifiers are strongly encouraged.

Abstract and keywords

• Structured abstract of 250 words or fewer (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion).
• Provide 5 to 12 keywords that reflect the core methods and outcomes.

Main text structure

• Introduction: Clearly describe context, objectives, and research gap.
• Materials and Methods: Provide enough detail for replication, including statistical tests and software versions.
• Results: Present findings logically with tables and figures referenced in text.
• Discussion: Interpret results, compare with prior studies, and discuss limitations.
• Conclusion: Summarize key contributions and clinical or technical implications.

Statistical reporting and reproducibility

Report statistical methods clearly so readers can interpret results and reproduce analyses. Include sample sizes, number of replicates, confidence intervals, and effect sizes where relevant. State whether data were tested for normality and whether adjustments were made for multiple comparisons.

Describe randomization, blinding, and inclusion or exclusion criteria. Identify the software and version used for analysis, and provide code or parameter settings when applicable.

Reporting guidelines

Use reporting standards appropriate to your study design. This improves clarity and speeds review. Include the relevant checklist as a supplementary file when available.

• CONSORT for randomized controlled trials
• PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta analyses
• STROBE for observational studies
• ARRIVE for animal research
• CARE for case reports

Figures, tables, and supplementary files

• Submit figures in high resolution (300 dpi or higher) as separate files.
• Tables should be editable and not embedded as images.
• Provide concise captions and define abbreviations on first use.
• Supplementary files are permitted for extended datasets or methods.

Data and code availability

All submissions must include a data availability statement describing where underlying data and code can be accessed. Use recognized repositories or provide access conditions if data cannot be shared openly due to privacy or regulatory restrictions.

Examples: "Data are available in an institutional repository under accession ID 2024-PT-102" or "De-identified clinical data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request."

References

Use Vancouver style and number references in the order cited. Include DOI when available.

Example: Kumar A, Lin Z, Patel R, et al. Targeted nanocarriers for oncology therapeutics. J Adv Pharm Sci Technol. 2024;18(2):145-159. doi:10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-24-1002.

Authorship and contributions

Authorship should reflect substantial contributions to study design, data collection, analysis, and manuscript drafting. The corresponding author is responsible for confirming that all coauthors approve the final version and agree to submission.

Include an author contributions statement outlining each contributor's role. Acknowledgments should recognize assistance that does not meet authorship criteria.

Ethics, compliance, and transparency

• Human studies require ethics committee approval and informed consent.
• Animal studies must follow institutional guidelines and welfare standards.
• Clinical trials should include a registry identifier.
• Conflicts of interest and funding sources must be disclosed.
• Data availability statements are required for all submissions.

Patient privacy and data protection

Remove direct identifiers and ensure patient data are anonymized. If images or case details could reveal identity, include written consent for publication. For datasets with privacy restrictions, describe access conditions in the data availability statement.

Conflicts of interest and funding

Disclose any financial or non financial relationships that could influence the work, including consulting roles, patents, or equity interests. List all funding sources, grant numbers, and sponsor roles in study design or data analysis.

Preprints and prior dissemination

JAPST accepts manuscripts that have been posted as preprints. If a preprint exists, include the DOI or link in your cover letter and ensure the submitted version reflects any substantial updates. Do not submit the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously.

Originality and duplicate submission

Manuscripts must be original and not under consideration elsewhere. We screen submissions for plagiarism and redundant publication. If overlap with preprints or prior work exists, disclose it clearly in the cover letter.

Submission process

Submit manuscripts through one of the options below. Include a concise cover letter highlighting novelty, fit, and ethical compliance.

1. Manuscript Zone: https://oap.manuscriptzone.net
2. Online submission form: https://openaccesspub.org/manuscript-submission-form
3. Email submission: [email protected]

A manuscript acknowledgment is typically issued within 72 hours of submission.

Use clear file names such as "JAPST_Surname_ShortTitle.docx" and upload figures as separate high resolution files when requested.

Cover letter and disclosures

Include a cover letter that summarizes the novelty, relevance to JAPST, and key findings. If the study involves human or animal subjects, confirm ethical approval and consent in the letter. You may also suggest potential reviewers and identify any researchers who should not review your work due to conflicts.

Disclose funding sources, conflicts of interest, and any prior posting of the manuscript (such as preprints).

Peer review and editorial decisions

JAPST uses expert peer review to evaluate scientific quality, reproducibility, and relevance. Reviews are typically single blind. Decisions include accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject. We provide clear feedback to support high quality revisions and transparent decision making.

Authors are usually given two to four weeks for revisions depending on the scope of changes. The editorial team remains available to clarify reviewer comments and expectations. All communication is handled via the editorial office.

Language editing and pre submission support

Authors may request optional language editing to improve clarity and grammar prior to submission. This service is independent of editorial decisions and does not guarantee acceptance, but it can reduce revision cycles.

Details are available on the Language Editing Service page.

Copyright and license

Authors retain copyright and grant JAPST the right to publish and distribute the article. All papers are released under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license, enabling sharing and reuse with proper citation.

Appeals and corrections

If you believe a decision was based on a misunderstanding, you may submit a concise appeal to the editorial office. Post publication corrections are handled transparently to maintain the integrity of the record.

After acceptance

• APC invoice is issued after acceptance (no fees prior to this stage).
• Authors review proofs for accuracy and approve final files.
• Articles are assigned DOIs and published online promptly.
• Content is distributed under CC BY 4.0 for broad reuse.

Once published, articles are indexed through journal metadata feeds and remain permanently accessible on the JAPST platform.

Submission checklist

• Cover letter included and addressed to JAPST editorial office.
• Manuscript follows formatting and structure guidelines.
• Ethics approvals and consent statements provided.
• Data availability statement and funding disclosures added.
• Figures and tables labeled clearly with captions.

Ready to submit to JAPST?

Use the guidelines above to prepare your manuscript and submit with confidence.