Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
06:10
Encapsulated Cell Technology for the Delivery of Biologics to the Mouse Eye
Published on: March 30, 2020
Drug delivery technologies for autoimmune disease
Brett E Phillips1, Nick Giannoukakis
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Diabetes Institute, Department of Pathology, Rangos Research Center 6123, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|October 21, 2010
Summary
Novel drug delivery systems, including polymer-based and biologic methods, show promise for treating autoimmune diseases. Lessons from cancer trials can guide the development of targeted therapies for autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Targeting autoimmune diseases requires specific suppression of autoreactive cells and effective drug delivery to target tissues.
- Challenges include identifying unique targets and achieving therapeutic drug concentrations at the cellular level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging drug delivery methods for autoimmune disease treatment.
- To compare polymer-based and biologic delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of polymer delivery methods.
- Comparison of biological delivery methods including fusion proteins, targeted antibodies, recombinant viruses, and cell products.
Main Results:
- Insight into clinical trial progression for various drug delivery technologies targeting autoreactive immune cells.
- Overview of different approaches for modulating immune cell function.
Conclusions:
- Tissue-specific polymer-based and biologic drug delivery systems are advancing through clinical trials, primarily for cancer.
- Findings from cancer trials offer valuable guidance for developing autoimmunity therapeutics.
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...
01:24Modified-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.
01:28Parenteral 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...
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the gastrointestinal...
01:23Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
Oral drug delivery is the most common route of administration due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and high patient compliance. It enables precise formulation to ensure proper drug dosage and bioavailability. The development of oral dosage forms considers drug properties such as solubility, stability, and absorption to optimize therapeutic efficacy.Tablets, capsules, liquids, and chewable formulations enhance drug stability, mask undesirable tastes, and improve patient experience.