Geriatric drug delivery - barriers, current technologies and the road ahead

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Pharmacology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The global healthcare system faces increasing demands from the aging population, characterized by high prevalence of chronic diseases and polypharmacy.
• Geriatric patients encounter significant barriers to effective drug delivery, including cognitive and physical functional changes, impacting medication adherence and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of chronic diseases and age-related pharmacokinetic changes on drug efficacy and safety in the elderly.
• To explore current and emerging drug delivery technologies designed to overcome specific challenges faced by geriatric patients.
• To identify research gaps and future directions for geriatric drug formulation development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on chronic diseases in the elderly, pharmacokinetics, drug administration routes, and delivery system complications.
• Analysis of traditional and advanced drug delivery technologies, including nanomedicines, 3D printing, long-acting formulations, transdermal systems, orally disintegrating tablets, and taste/shape modification.
• Identification of barriers to drug delivery in the geriatric population.

Main Results:

• Age-related changes in pharmacokinetics can significantly affect drug efficacy and safety in the elderly.
• Existing drug delivery technologies often fail to address the unique cognitive and physical limitations of senior patients.
• Emerging technologies like nanomedicines, 3D printing, and personalized medicine show promise for improving geriatric drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing safety in geriatric drug delivery systems requires consideration of age-related pharmacokinetic shifts, non-toxic excipients, and drugs with minimal side effects.
• Novel approaches such as 3D printing, personalized medicine, and long-acting formulations are essential for future advancements in geriatric drug delivery.
• Addressing pill burden and improving drug formulation through shape/size modifications are key areas for future research.