Introduction to Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS):
Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) are modern methods of delivering drugs into the human body in a controlled, targeted, and efficient manner. Traditional dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and syrups often release the drug immediately and throughout the body. NDDS aim to improve this by delivering the drug at the right place, at the right time, and in the right amount.
These systems help increase therapeutic effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve patient convenience. NDDS can include nanoparticles, liposomes, transdermal patches, implants, and many other advanced technologies.
Classification of Novel Drug Delivery Systems
1. Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
These systems release the drug slowly over a long period. Examples: Sustained-release tablets, osmotic pumps (OROS), polymer-controlled systems.
2. Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
Here, the drug is delivered directly to the diseased tissue, reducing harm to healthy cells. Examples: Antibody-drug conjugates, ligand-targeted nanoparticles, targeted liposomes.
3. Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Systems
Nanoparticles improve drug absorption, stability, and targeting. Examples: Polymeric nanoparticles, nanosuspensions, gold nanoparticles, nanogels.
4. Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems
These systems use tiny vesicles to carry the drug and protect it from degradation. Examples: Liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, pharmacosomes.
5. Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS)
Medications are delivered through the skin using patches. Examples: Nicotine patch, fentanyl patch, clonidine patch.
6. Implantable Drug Delivery Systems
Devices implanted in the body to release drugs over months or years. Examples: Hormone implants, contraceptive implants (Norplant), insulin pumps.
7. Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Systems
These attach to mucosal surfaces like buccal, nasal, vaginal, or rectal mucosa for better drug absorption. Examples: Buccal films, mucoadhesive tablets, nasal gels.
8. Gastro-Retentive Drug Delivery Systems
These systems remain in the stomach for longer time to improve drug absorption. Examples: Floating tablets, expandable systems, bio-adhesive systems.
9. Pulmonary Drug Delivery Systems
These deliver drugs directly to the lungs. Examples: Inhalers, nebulizers, dry powder inhalers (DPI).
10. Ocular Drug Delivery Systems
Designed to deliver drugs to the eye with improved retention and effectiveness. Examples: Ocular inserts, in-situ gels, nano-eye drops.
11. Novel Oral Drug Delivery Systems
Advanced oral systems that improve stability and absorption. Examples: Orally disintegrating films, nanoparticles in capsules.
Advantages of Novel Drug Delivery Systems
- Improved therapeutic effectiveness due to better absorption and targeted delivery.
- Reduced side effects because the drug reaches only the affected area.
- Controlled and sustained release ensures long-lasting action.
- Improved patient compliance with once-daily or once-weekly dosing.
- Protection of drugs from degradation due to pH, enzymes, and food.
- Lower dose required because delivery is more efficient.
- Useful for drugs with poor solubility or poor bioavailability.
- Allows delivery of fragile molecules like peptides, proteins, and vaccines.
Challenges of Novel Drug Delivery Systems
- High cost of development due to advanced technology.
- Complex manufacturing process requiring specialized equipment.
- Stability issues especially with nanoparticles and liposomes.
- Regulatory approval is difficult due to strict safety evaluations.
- Limited large-scale production capability for many systems.
- Potential toxicity in case of nanomaterials if not properly designed.
- Requirement of trained personnel for handling advanced systems.
- High research time before reaching the market.
