Novel Drug Delivery Systems: Fundamentals and Applications

Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) have revolutionized the field of pharmaceutics by providing controlled, targeted, and patient-centric therapeutic solutions. Conventional drug formulations often face limitations such as poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, short half-life, and off-target toxicity, which can compromise therapeutic efficacy. NDDS encompass a diverse range of technologies, including oral controlled release systems, transdermal patches, pulmonary and nasal inhalers, injectable and implantable systems, polymeric and lipid-based carriers, targeted nanoparticles, and advanced stimuli-responsive platforms. These systems enhance drug stability, optimize pharmacokinetics, and enable site-specific delivery, thereby reducing systemic side effects and improving patient compliance. Recent advancements in nanotechnology, 3D printing, bio-responsive polymers, and extracellular vesicles/exosomes have further expanded the therapeutic potential of NDDS, allowing precision therapy for complex conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions.