[Improvement of QOL by drug delivery systems]

The objectives of the medical advancements made in recent years are i) the cure of diseases and relief of their symptoms, ii) expansion of life expectancy, iii) improvement of QOL (quality of life), and iv) prevention of diseases. Most importantly, the therapy should maintain the dignity of patients. DDS is defined as a highly-functional dosage form for improving the medical usefulness of drugs by potentiating their efficacy, reducing their toxicity, and making them a 'patient-friendly medicine'. DDS is strongly expected for achieving 1) the controlled release, 2) new alternative mucosal absorption, and 3) targeting to the action site of drugs. The improvements of QOL by devising novel DDS such as Lupron Depot, Imigran Nasal Spray, Durotep Patch and Pegasys were reviewed.