title: Controlled-release delivery systems for hormones. A review of their properties and current therapeutic use.
abstract: Biomedical engineering approaches used to develop controlled-release delivery systems for hormones are here reviewed regarding system design and therapeutic applications. The biomedical engineering approach uses a system of non-drug components to control the rate and duration of hormone delivery. The non-drug components vary from system to system, but generally include: a reservoir for the hormone; a barrier or regulator to contain the hormone within the reservoir and to control its release; an energy source to remove the hormone from the reservoir; and a pathway for egress of the hormone from the system. Controlled-release delivery systems for hormones discussed in this review include mechanical and osmotic pumps; intraocular, intravaginal and intrauterine platform devices; biodegradable and non-biodegradable subcutaneous implants; and small particulate systems including microcapsules, microspheres and liposomes. Examples of the therapeutic application of the various systems are given along with a discussion of design factors and pharmacological aspects relevant to their clinical use.
mesh_terms: D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy; D000818:Animals; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006728:Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008081:Liposomes; D008863:Microspheres; D011108:Polymers
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004343:Drug Implants; D006728:Hormones; D008081:Liposomes; D011108:Polymers