Laser-assisted drug delivery: mode of action and use in daily clinical practice.
Topical application of pharmaceutical agents is a basic principle of dermatological therapy. However, the effective barrier function of the skin significantly impairs the bioavailability of most topical drugs. Fractional ablative lasers represent an innovative strategy to overcome the epidermal barrier in a standardized, contact-free manner. The bioavailability of topical agents can be significantly enhanced using laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD). In recent years, the principle of LADD has become well established for various dermatological indications. Herein, we review the current literature on LADD and present potential future applications.
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Stephan Alexander
SA
Braun
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Holger
H
Schrumpf
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Bettina Alexandra
BA
Buhren
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Bernhard
B
Homey
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Peter Arne
PA
Gerber
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001682:Biological Availability; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004817:Epidermis; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D012867:Skin