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From the 1980s and 1990s to the present day, the field of drug delivery has undergone an extraordinary transformation that has redefined the way we administer medical treatments. This time period has seen revolutionary advances in drug delivery, driven by the convergence of nanotechnology, gene therapy and the search for more precise and effective treatments.
These advances have been instrumental in reaching the goals set out in the OLIGOFASTX project. The ability to therapeutically target these molecules to the affected tissue or cells has revolutionised the way we approach rare diseases, offering a ray of hope to patients who previously had no viable treatment options.
1980s and 1990s – Nanotechnology and Gene Therapy:
The 1980s and 1990s marked a turning point in the evolution of drug delivery. Nanotechnology became an essential tool for the design of drug delivery systems on a microscopic scale. The creation of nanotransporters enabled highly precise and targeted drug delivery, which not only improved therapeutic efficacy, but also minimised unwanted side effects. In addition, this period saw the emergence of gene therapy, which harnessed delivery systems to transport genetic material to specific cells and correct genetic mutations responsible for inherited diseases.
As we move into the present day, these innovations have enabled personalised and highly effective treatments for a wide range of conditions, from rare genetic diseases to cancer.
21st Century – Precision Gene Therapy and Smart Nanoparticles:
In the 21st century, the field of drug delivery has undergone an unprecedented revolution, driven by technological advances and a deeper understanding of biology and genetics.
Precision therapies have become the cornerstone of medicine, with drug delivery systems designed to treat each patient uniquely. Nanotechnology has enabled the development of smart nanoparticles that can navigate the body, identify affected areas and deliver drugs in a highly targeted manner, reducing side effects and improving efficacy.
In addition, gene therapy has come of age, offering the possibility of correcting underlying genetic defects and treating previously untreatable diseases. In this century, drug delivery has moved beyond drug delivery and has become a way to provide personalised and highly effective medical solutions, paving the way for a promising future in healthcare.
Shaping the future of personalised medicine
In short, the history of drug delivery is a testament to the constant search for more effective and precise ways to deliver medical treatments. These advances have not only improved the efficacy of such treatments, but have also brought hope to those suffering from rare and genetic diseases previously considered untreatable.
The future of drug delivery is promising, and as we continue to explore new technologies and therapeutic approaches, we can look forward to a world where treatments are increasingly personalised and effective, paving the way for more advanced and compassionate care.
Sources:
Evolution of drug delivery systems: From 1950 to 2020 and beyond – ScienceDirect
The evolution of commercial drug delivery technologies | Nature Biomedical Engineering
Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery: From History to Therapeutic Applications
Addressing the challenges of novel therapies in rare diseases with mechanistic perspectives:
Header image: https://www.cas.org/resources/cas-insights/drug-discovery/research-landscape-and-advancement-lipid-nanoparticles
Image 1: https://ehealthreporter.com/nanotecnologia-la-medicina-del-futuro/