95 – Overview of Drug Delivery Technologies (S7E5)

This episode surveys various drug delivery systems, from traditional oral forms to advanced injectables, transdermal patches, and other novel approaches. It explores the factors affecting oral bioavailability, highlighting the challenges a drug molecule faces as it journeys through the body. The discussion delves into the role of excipients in oral dosage forms, explaining how they contribute to drug release, stability, and patient acceptability. Real-world examples and case studies illustrate the impact of delivery system choices on drug efficacy.Beyond simply administering a drug, drug delivery technology focuses on getting the right amount of medication to the right place at the right time. The episode emphasizes the importance of considering patient acceptability in drug delivery design, highlighting the impact of factors like ease of administration, taste, and dosage form on patient compliance. Furthermore, the discussion explores advanced delivery systems such as long-acting injectables, liposomes, and nanoparticles, demonstrating how these technologies can improve drug efficacy, reduce side effects, and enable targeted therapy. Finally, the episode touches on the complexities of drug-device combinations and the importance of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these systems.