A Review on Targeted Drug Delivery
Abstract
Delivering drugs to specific sites of action over an extended period improves efficacy and reduces adverse effects. These targeted drug delivery systems are preferred over conventional drug delivery for their higher drug stability, enhanced absorption, and cell-specific action. Different biological processes and events are involved in drug targeting, utilizing various carriers for drug delivery. The strategies for drug targeting differ based on the targeting mechanisms and formulation systems used. Applications in stem cell therapy, gene therapy, 3D printing, and pathogen bio detection represent the latest advances in targeted delivery systems. More formulations have entered the market and clinical trials, while ongoing research and development aim to enhance drug carrier stability, optimize targeting mechanisms, and reduce the complexity and cost of manufacturing these advanced systems.
Keywords
Drug delivery, Drug targeting, drug carriers, cancer