Archives of Hellenic Medicine

Last update:

24-Jan-2024

Arch Hellen Med, 41(1), January-February 2024, 122-133

SPECIAL ARTICLE

Transdermal drug delivery systems: Research, development and clinical applications

S. Fotinos,^1–3 E. Petrou^4,5
¹Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens,
²School of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki,
³Department of Research and Development, Lavipharm Group of Companies, Athens,
⁴School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens,
⁵Department of Medical Affairs, Lavipharm Group of Companies, Athens, Greece

There is a constant rotation of active substances/drugs where others disappear from circulation for various reasons, with new ones taking their place, because they present advantages in terms of safety and efficacy, even in terms of the cost of treatment. However, while we often focus on new therapeutic substances/medicines, we perhaps miss the great importance for the patient of the ease with which he will receive the required doses of his medicines without pain, in fewer daily doses, without invasive methodologies, etc. This part of pharmacotherapy is covered by the special "drug delivery systems". These systems are of various kinds and are classified in various ways. This article describes a category of these systems which has become particularly popular due to the ease of use, the reduced toxicity it offers, the patient's compliance/adherence, and the need for a lower frequency of doses, even once a week. These are the transdermal patches.

Key words: Development, Medicine, Research, Transdermal.