Novel Drug Delivery System
Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS)
A Novel Drug Delivery System is a modern approach of formulating and delivering drugs to improve efficacy, safety, patient compliance, and targeted delivery compared to conventional dosage forms (like tablets, capsules, or injections).
1. Objectives of NDDS
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Enhance bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
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Provide controlled or sustained release.
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Target drugs to specific sites/tissues (site-specific delivery).
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Reduce dose frequency and improve patient compliance.
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Minimize side effects and toxicity.
2. Types of Novel Drug Delivery Systems
A. Carrier-Based Systems
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Liposomes – Spherical vesicles with lipid bilayers; used for anticancer and antifungal drugs.
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Niosomes – Non-ionic surfactant vesicles; more stable alternative to liposomes.
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Nanoparticles (Polymeric, Metallic, Lipid-based) – For targeted drug delivery, especially in oncology.
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Microspheres / Microcapsules – Biodegradable polymers allowing sustained release.
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Dendrimers – Branched macromolecules useful in gene and anticancer therapy.
B. Controlled and Sustained Release Systems
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Matrix tablets – Drug dispersed in a polymer matrix for slow release.
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Osmotic pump systems – Use osmotic pressure for controlled release.
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Transdermal patches – Provide systemic delivery through skin.
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Implants – Long-acting controlled release under skin.
C. Targeted Drug Delivery Systems
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Monoclonal antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) – Highly selective cancer therapies.
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Ligand-mediated targeting – Drug molecules attached to specific ligands for receptor targeting.
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Smart nanoparticles – Stimuli-responsive (pH, temperature, enzymes).
D. Alternative Routes of Delivery
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Pulmonary delivery (Inhalers, Dry powder inhalers, Nebulizers).
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Nasal delivery – For peptides, vaccines, CNS-targeted drugs.
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Buccal/Sublingual films – Fast systemic absorption.
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Ocular drug delivery systems – Nanodrops, in-situ gels.
3. Advantages of NDDS
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Improved therapeutic effect.
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Better drug stability.
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Reduced dosing frequency.
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Enhanced patient adherence.
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Targeted action → less systemic toxicity.
4. Challenges in NDDS
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High development cost.
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Complex manufacturing and scale-up.
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Regulatory hurdles for safety and efficacy approvals.
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Stability issues in some nanoformulations.
✅ In summary:
NDDS represents the next generation of drug formulations, focusing on controlled release, site-specific targeting, and patient-friendly delivery methods. They are particularly valuable in oncology, chronic diseases, vaccines, and biologics.
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