| Novel therapeutic approaches such as nanotechnology and their innovative fabrication methods have opened a new direction in biomedical sciences. Owing to their small particle size and various other characteristics such as capability of encapsulating small molecules as well as biologics, protecting the drugs in biological environments, improving the drug biodistribution, opportunity for providing controlled or stimuli-responsive drug release, enhancement of the targeted and intracellular delivery of therapeutics, flexibility to be combined with diagnostic and imaging agents for theranostic uses, nanotechnology-based formulations are versatile systems for various applications and for better therapeutic outcomes [1]. The special issue BNovel Drug Delivery Systems, Devices, and Fabrication Methods^ covered the recent therapeutic application and development approaches of formulation systems to improve the drug delivery potential. This issue has assembled leaders in drug delivery research areas, covering topics on microparticles, microbubbles, nanoparticles, microneedles, organogels, micelles, lipid-based systems, inorganic nanoparticles, laser-generated micropores, and nanoemulsion. Although, enormous research efforts are being performed into the development of these novel products for various indications, translating these drug delivery systems into a commercial product is challenging [2]. Hence, papers in this issue also discuss about the challenges and approaches to facilitate the translation of delivery systems. In general, the acceptance of a pharmaceutical product is closely related to the success of the innovation, both commercially and therapeutically. When developing a new technology for drug delivery, consideration must be given to the patient who will be using it. By engaging the patients early in the development process, potential issues can be identified, ensuring the greatest benefits from the product. Microneedles are novel transdermal drug delivery platforms; however, for a successful translation, it is important to consider the optimal therapeutic outcomes of microneedles by older people. |
