Active implantable drug delivery systems: engineering factors, challenges, opportunities

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS) provide controlled administration, enhancing bioavailability and reducing side effects.
• These systems bypass physiological barriers like the gastrointestinal and blood-brain barriers.
• Key features include programmable dosing, remote activation, and sustained or on-demand release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of active implantable drug delivery systems.
• To discuss engineering trade-offs and system requirements.
• To identify future research directions for clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current literature on active implantable drug delivery systems.
• Analysis of innovations in actuation mechanisms, power sources, and materials.
• Discussion of challenges in power integration, communication, and regulatory compliance.

Main Results:

• Significant advancements in miniaturization, energy efficiency, and scalability of IDDS.
• Diverse applications in chronic disease management and localized therapies (neurological, cardiovascular).
• Identification of remaining challenges in system integration and regulatory approval.

Conclusions:

• Active IDDS represent a transformative approach in pharmacology with broad therapeutic potential.
• Engineering innovations are crucial for developing reliable, patient-centered solutions.
• Addressing integration and regulatory hurdles is key for successful clinical translation.