title: Drug delivery systems improve pharmaceutical profile and facilitate medication adherence.
abstract: Innovations in dosage forms and dose delivery systems across a wide range of medications offer substantial clinical advantages, including reduced dosing frequency and improved patient adherence; minimized fluctuation of drug concentrations and maintenance of blood levels within a desired range; localized drug delivery; and the potential for reduced adverse effects and increased safety. The advent of new large-molecule drugs for previously untreatable or only partially treatable diseases is stimulating the development of suitable delivery systems for these agents. Although advanced formulations may be more expensive than conventional dosage forms, they often have a more favorable pharmacologic profile and can be cost-effective. Inclusion of these dosage forms on drug formulary lists may help patients remain on therapy and reduce the economic and social burden of care.
authors.affiliation: Center for Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, Temple University, Pennsylvania 19140, USA.
authors.forename: Albert I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Wertheimer
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Santella
authors.forename: Albert J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Finestone
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Levy
mesh_terms: D004304:Dosage Forms; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D011306:Prescription Fees; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004304:Dosage Forms; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations