Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
Novel drug delivery methods for improving efficacy of endometriosis treatments
Simone Garzon1, Antonio Simone Laganà1, Fabio Barra2,3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Filippo Del Ponte" Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
Introduction:
Pharmacotherapy has a key role in the management of endometriosis. However, a significant proportion of patients gains only intermittent or limited benefits. In this regard, alternative and novel drug delivery methods are of paramount importance to improve efficacy and compliance of available treatments and develop alternative medical approaches.
Areas Covered:
This review aims to provide the reader with a complete overview of available evidence about alternative and novel drug delivery methods for endometriosis pharmacotherapy and highlight new research lines.
Expert Opinion:
Progestins and estroprogestins, which represent the first-line therapy, are already available in different formulations, being employed for contraception. Nevertheless, evidence on their adoption is still limited for some drug delivery methods, such as vaginal rings, patches, and subcutaneous implants. Further research is needed to define better their clinical utility in patients with endometriosis. Nanotechnologies have been investigated as novel drug delivery methods able to target the drug at the disease level. However, data are very limited and preliminary, and further research is needed to consider a possible clinical application in endometriosis.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
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...
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
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...

