Indian Pharma Boosts NDDS Research for Precision Drug Delivery

India's pharmaceutical sector is undergoing a significant transformation, both in the discovery of new medicines and advancements in drug delivery. There is a new era of Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) such as microneedle patches, implantable pumps, inhalation biologics, nanoparticle carriers, and oral modified drugs changing treatment regimens.

"NDDS is transforming the way we treat. It's not just the molecule anymore but also how you get it delivered," said Nilesh Patel, Managing Director, Kashmik Formulation. He emphasized the growing demand for precision, personalization, and patient-centeredness in modern therapies.

Traditional drug delivery systems like tablets and intravenous infusion also have limitations, particularly for biologics. These are being overcome by pharma companies redeveloping oral drugs by sustained, controlled, and targeted release technologies, which result in enhanced therapeutic consistency and patient compliance.

Among the most promising of these are microneedle patches, which provide a minimally invasive route to transdermal delivery, circumventing the gastrointestinal tract and allowing self-administered vaccines, insulin, and pain relievers.

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Implantable drug delivery systems, however, are gaining popularity for the management of chronic diseases with refillable and programmable devices that are capable of conducting real-time titration of doses. Likewise, inhalable biologics are proving to be a revolutionary shift for treating monoclonal antibodies via pulmonary routes.

The establishment of NDDS also involves cross-disciplinary teamwork, such as special excipients, device development, and changing regulatory scenarios. In the milieu of current data-driven paradigms of healthcare, emerging generations of delivery systems can involve smart wearables, bio-responsive materials, and nano-carriers.

"Drug delivery is increasingly central to therapeutic success," Patel warned, calling for greater investment in delivery science to enhance outcomes and quality of life.