Long-acting drug delivery systems: Current landscape and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Drug Delivery Technology

Background:

• Conventional drug delivery methods often result in fluctuating drug concentrations, leading to suboptimal therapeutic efficacy and safety, particularly in managing chronic diseases.
• Sustained drug release is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient compliance in long-term therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current advancements in injectable and implantable long-acting drug delivery systems (LADDS).
• To explore emerging technologies and future directions in the development of next-generation LADDS.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on approved and investigational long-acting injectable and implantable drug delivery formulations.
• Analysis of innovative approaches including nanosuspensions, microspheres, in situ-forming systems, preformed implants, thermoresponsive gels, polymer-drug conjugates, prodrugs, 3D printing, and reservoir implants.

Main Results:

• Current LADDS include nanosuspensions, PLGA microspheres, oil-based injections, in situ-forming systems, and preformed implants, offering controlled and extended drug release.
• Future LADDS technologies encompass thermoresponsive gels, polymer-drug conjugates, prodrugs, 3D printing applications, and reservoir implants utilizing semipermeable membranes.

Conclusions:

• Long-acting drug delivery systems significantly improve drug efficacy, safety, and patient adherence compared to conventional methods.
• Continued multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing the development and clinical translation of innovative long-acting therapies.