Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
07:49
Slow-release Drug Delivery through Elvax 40W to the Rat Retina: Implications for the Treatment of Chronic Conditions
Published on: September 17, 2014
Retinoids: new use by innovative drug-delivery systems
1University of Messina, Pharmacochemistry Department, University of Messina, Italy.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|May 6, 2009
Summary
New drug-delivery systems enhance retinoid therapy for skin conditions and tumors by reducing side effects and improving stability. These advanced colloidal and micellar systems offer promising improvements over traditional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Retinoids are established treatments for skin conditions like acne and psoriasis, and various cancers.
- Systemic retinoid administration causes side effects such as skin irritation and general malaise.
- Retinoids are inherently unstable, degrading upon light exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current advancements in retinoid drug transport systems.
- To explore methods for mitigating retinoid side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
- To detail modifications in biopharmaceutical properties through encapsulation in vesicular and polymeric systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on retinoid drug delivery systems.
- Analysis of encapsulation techniques for retinoids in vesicular and polymeric carriers.
- Evaluation of biopharmaceutical property modifications post-encapsulation.
Main Results:
- Development of various colloidal and micellar systems for retinoid drugs.
- Demonstration of improved stability and reduced side effects of encapsulated retinoids.
- Evidence of enhanced pharmacological effects through advanced drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Colloidal and micellar systems represent significant progress in retinoid drug delivery.
- These systems hold substantial potential for advancing traditional retinoid-based therapies.
- Encapsulation strategies offer a viable solution to retinoid instability and toxicity issues.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:19Modified-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...
01:18Transdermal 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...
01:23Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...