Challenges and opportunities in dermal/transdermal delivery

Ther Deliv. 2010 Jul;1(1):109-31. doi: 10.4155/tde.10.16.

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery is an exciting and challenging area. There are numerous transdermal delivery systems currently available on the market. However, the transdermal market still remains limited to a narrow range of drugs. Further advances in transdermal delivery depend on the ability to overcome the challenges faced regarding the permeation and skin irritation of the drug molecules. Emergence of novel techniques for skin permeation enhancement and development of methods to lessen skin irritation would widen the transdermal market for hydrophilic compounds, macromolecules and conventional drugs for new therapeutic indications. As evident from the ongoing clinical trials of a wide variety of drugs for various clinical conditions, there is a great future for transdermal delivery of drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Animals
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Drug Compounding
  • Humans
  • Permeability
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Absorption* / drug effects
  • Technology, Pharmaceutical / methods

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations