Polyanhydrides as localized drug delivery carrier: an update

Abstract

There is a continuing thrust to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of existing and new drug molecules for their better usage to treat disease. Localized drug delivery has been explored in the same way, which can provide a platform to target local diseased tissues and can reduce the burden on the body by reducing the dose size and hence the dose-related toxicity of the molecules. Various polymers have evolved for the purpose of localized drug delivery, however, polyanhydrides are considered the best, supported by products in the clinical phases. Objective: To demonstrate the advantages of localized delivery using basic concepts and describing polyanhydride carrier with products such as Gliadel® and Septacin™. Methods: The rationale behind localized drug delivery and the carrier for the same are dealt with. Polyanhydrides discussed in detail are those from subclasses that have been given less emphasis previously and have been developed or investigated in the last 5 years. Results/conclusion: From the recent update on polyanhydrides, it can be concluded that these polymers have great potential as localized drug delivery carriers due to the versatility of their properties. However, the quest to stabilize the system in order to achieve a long shelf life remains ongoing.