2018 new drug delivery methods

Here are some new drug delivery methods that were developed or gained significant attention in 2018:

  1. Nanoparticle-based delivery: Researchers developed nanoparticles that can target specific cells and tissues, allowing for more efficient and targeted delivery of drugs.
  2. Microneedle patches: Microneedle patches are small, painless patches that can deliver vaccines and medications through the skin, eliminating the need for injections.
  3. Lipid nanoparticles: Lipid nanoparticles are small particles made of lipids that can encapsulate and deliver drugs to specific cells and tissues.
  4. Exosomes: Exosomes are small vesicles that can be used to deliver drugs to specific cells and tissues, potentially reducing side effects and improving efficacy.
  5. Gene editing delivery: Researchers developed new methods for delivering gene editing tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to specific cells and tissues.
  6. 3D printing of pills: 3D printing technology was used to create customized pills that can release drugs in a controlled manner, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing side effects.
  7. Inhalable nanoparticles: Researchers developed nanoparticles that can be inhaled to deliver drugs directly to the lungs, potentially treating respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.
  8. Transdermal patches with nanoparticles: Transdermal patches were developed that use nanoparticles to deliver drugs through the skin, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
  9. Bioadhesive patches: Bioadhesive patches were developed that can stick to the skin and release drugs over a period of time, potentially improving patient compliance and reducing side effects.
  10. Smart pills: Smart pills are small, ingestible devices that can monitor a patient's health and deliver drugs in response to specific conditions, such as high blood sugar or high blood pressure.
  11. Electroceuticals: Electroceuticals are devices that use electrical impulses to treat diseases, such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
  12. Stem cell-based delivery: Researchers developed methods for using stem cells to deliver drugs to specific cells and tissues, potentially reducing side effects and improving efficacy.
  13. Viral vectors: Viral vectors are used to deliver genes to specific cells and tissues, potentially treating genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy.
  14. Lipid-based delivery: Lipid-based delivery systems were developed that can encapsulate and deliver drugs to specific cells and tissues, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
  15. Protein-based delivery: Researchers developed methods for using proteins to deliver drugs to specific cells and tissues, potentially reducing side effects and improving efficacy.

These are just a few examples of the many new drug delivery methods that were developed or gained significant attention in 2018.