Drug delivery and formulations

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Paediatric Medicine

Background:

• Paediatric drug delivery presents significant challenges due to the heterogeneity of patient populations, from neonates to adolescents.
• A lack of suitable and safe drug formulations exists for children, particularly for neonates and critically ill patients.
• Upcoming European Union legislation will mandate paediatric clinical trials and drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current advances and challenges in paediatric drug delivery.
• To highlight novel drug formulations and administration routes for paediatric patients.
• To discuss the impact of new legislation on paediatric drug development.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and market-available products in paediatric drug delivery.
• Analysis of novel drug delivery concepts, including fast-dissolving formulations and multiparticulate systems.
• Discussion of alternative administration routes such as transdermal, pulmonary, and nasal delivery.

Main Results:

• Fast-dissolving formulations (orodispersible tablets, oral thin strips) and multiparticulate dosage forms (mini-tablets, pellets) show promise.
• Parenteral administration remains essential for neonates and emergency situations.
• Transdermal, pulmonary, and nasal drug delivery systems offer alternative administration routes requiring further investigation.

Conclusions:

• Significant advancements are being made in paediatric drug delivery, driven by new legislation and innovative technologies.
• While some novel products are available, further research and clinical validation are necessary for many emerging systems.
• Optimizing drug formulations and delivery devices tailored to different paediatric age groups is critical for improved patient outcomes.