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Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...

Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices

Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices

Parenteral drug delivery systems play a crucial role in modern therapeutics by enabling the direct administration of drugs into the systemic circulation, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. These systems are particularly valuable for poorly absorbed oral medications that are unstable in the digestive environment or require rapid onset or sustained therapeutic levels. Delivery is achieved through intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes, each selected based on the drug's properties...

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems

Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems

Continuous-release drug delivery systems offer a strategic approach to maintaining therapeutic drug levels over extended periods following oral administration. By modulating the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients, these systems minimize fluctuations in plasma concentrations, which enhances clinical efficacy and reduces the need for frequent dosing. Such characteristics make them particularly advantageous in managing chronic diseases where patient adherence and stable drug...

Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route

Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route

The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview

Modified-release dosage forms are designed to address the limitations of drugs with short biological half-lives. These forms maintain stable therapeutic drug concentrations over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent dosing. A consistent drug level helps minimize peak-trough fluctuations, which can reduce adverse effects, lower the risk of drug resistance, and improve overall treatment effectiveness.One common type of modified-release form is the extended-release (ER) formulation. ER...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Fabrication of Dissolvable Microneedle Patches Loaded with α-Lactalbumin Nanomicelles for Transdermal Capsaicin Delivery and Adipose Tissue Reduction

Fabrication of Dissolvable Microneedle Patches Loaded with α-Lactalbumin Nanomicelles for Transdermal Capsaicin Delivery and Adipose Tissue Reduction

Published on: December 30, 2025

Contraceptive devices: subcutaneous delivery systems.

Giuseppe Benagiano¹, Henry Gabelnick, Manuela Farris

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University la Sapienza, Rome, Italy. giuseppe.benagiano@uniroma1.it

Expert Review of Medical Devices

|September 23, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Subcutaneous hormone implants offer long-acting contraception, with non-biodegradable systems like Norplant widely used for up to 5 years. Biodegradable options are still under development, facing challenges in market entry.

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Uptake of New Lipid-coated Nanoparticles Containing Falcarindiol by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

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Published on: February 9, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Fabrication of Dissolvable Microneedle Patches Loaded with α-Lactalbumin Nanomicelles for Transdermal Capsaicin Delivery and Adipose Tissue Reduction

Fabrication of Dissolvable Microneedle Patches Loaded with α-Lactalbumin Nanomicelles for Transdermal Capsaicin Delivery and Adipose Tissue Reduction

Published on: December 30, 2025

Uptake of New Lipid-coated Nanoparticles Containing Falcarindiol by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Uptake of New Lipid-coated Nanoparticles Containing Falcarindiol by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Published on: February 9, 2019

Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Biomaterials Science
Reproductive Health

Background:

Natural sex hormones have short circulating half-lives, limiting therapeutic use.
Subcutaneous polymeric implants are investigated to prolong hormone duration of action.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the development and current status of subcutaneous hormone implant systems.
To compare biodegradable and non-biodegradable implant technologies.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on subcutaneous hormone delivery systems.
Analysis of different polymeric matrices used in implant development (e.g., poly(ortho esters), PLGA, PCL).
Evaluation of marketed non-biodegradable systems (Norplant, Jadelle) and emerging biodegradable systems.

Main Results:

Non-biodegradable implants (Norplant, Jadelle) are established, offering 5-year contraception.
Biodegradable systems, despite investigation, have not yet reached the market.
Newer non-biodegradable systems offer shorter durations (3 years) with simpler insertion.

Conclusions:

Subcutaneous implants provide long-acting, user-independent contraception, beneficial for family planning.
Challenges remain in biodegradable system development and implant removal procedures.
Advancements focus on simpler insertion and improved long-term drug delivery for hormonal therapies.