Tag: Transdermal delivery

With over 25 million prescriptions in 2023 in the US alone, semaglutide has become a major therapeutic agent [1.7.3]. This raises a key question for improving patient convenience: **can semaglutide be absorbed through the skin**, bypassing the need for injections?

According to Scientific American, microneedle technology was named one of the “Top 10 Emerging Technologies that Could Change the World” in 2020 due to its potential for painless injections and improved patient care. This advanced drug delivery method is a key example of what is often meant by a **3D injection** in modern pharmacology: the use of three-dimensional fabrication techniques to create intricate, customized devices for targeted and efficient medication delivery. This is distinct from a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medication also sometimes referred to as '3D Injection', which is simply a brand name for a common injectable drug like diclofenac.

According to reports, pluronic lecithin organogel (PLO) was first developed as a topical and transdermal drug delivery vehicle by American compounding pharmacists in the early 1990s, offering a new route for medications. But what is a plo drug and how does this specialized vehicle work? These gels are compounded emulsions that allow pharmacists to create customized topical medications, often for patients unable to take oral medication.

In hospital settings, transdermal analgesic patches offer a method of delivering pain medication with a consistent, controlled release, avoiding the peaks and troughs of oral medication. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients with stable pain conditions, offering reliable relief for days at a time.