Transdermal drug delivery systems: Research, development and clinical applications

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.