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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
Placental control of drug delivery
Sanaalarab Al-Enazy1, Shariq Ali1, Norah Albekairi2
1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
Abstract:
The placenta serves as the interface between the maternal and fetal circulations and regulates the transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. When exogenous substances are present in the maternal bloodstream-whether from environmental contact, occupational exposure, medication, or drug abuse-the extent to which this exposure affects the fetus is determined by transport and biotransformation processes in the placental barrier. Advances in drug delivery strategies are expected to improve the treatment of maternal and fetal diseases encountered during pregnancy.
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