Innovations in Transdermal Drug Delivery: Formulations and Techniques

The transdermal route of drug delivery has attracted researchers due to many biomedical advantages associated with it. However, excellent impervious nature of skin is the greatest challenge that has to be overcome for successfully delivering drug molecules to the systemic circulation by this route. Various formulation approaches used to systemically deliver drug molecules include use of prodrugs/lipophilic analogs, permeation enhancers, sub saturated systems and entrapment into vesicular systems. Further, the adhesive mixture, physical system of the delivery system and release liner influence drug release and its permeation across the skin. In addition, great strides in designing delivery systems for maximizing percutaneous drug permeation without comprising with ease of therapy cannot be neglected in improving functionality of transdermal drug delivery systems. This article deals with the innovations pertaining to formulation and techniques as described in recent patents.