title: Optimisation of treatment by applying programmable rate-controlled drug delivery technology.
abstract: A number of programmable rate-controlled drug delivery technologies have been developed during the last two decades with the aim of regulating the rate of drug delivery, sustaining the duration of therapeutic action and/or targeting the delivery of drug to a specific tissue. As a result, several therapeutically beneficial outcomes can be achieved, such as: (i) controlled delivery of a therapeutic dose at a desirable rate of delivery; (ii) maintenance of drug concentrations within an optimal therapeutic range for prolonged duration of treatment; (iii) maximisation of efficacy-dose relationship; (iv) reduction of adverse effects; (v) minimisation of the need for frequent dose intake; and (vi) enhancement of patient compliance. The treatment of illness can thus be optimised. To gain a better understanding of how to optimise the treatment of illnesses by applying programmable rate-controlled drug delivery technologies, this article reviews the scientific concepts and technical principles behind the development of various programmable rate-controlled drug delivery systems that have been marketed or are under active development. Finally, the roles of these technologies in optimising therapeutic outcomes in nine therapeutic areas are discussed.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yie W
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Chien
authors.forename: Senshang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000592:standards*; D004358:Drug Therapy; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations