Biodegradable microspheres are new, targeted drug delivery systems that are becoming increasingly popular in the field of drug design. A key characteristic among the various advantages of microspheres is their ability to introduce a wide range of small molecules into the body.
However, their versatility is just one of many reasons why they are so commonly employed for the delivery of drug compounds. This article will outline seven additional advantages of microspheres.
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1. Prolonged therapeutic effect
Drug action duration depends on various interrelated factors, such as the pharmaceutical preparation and the drug’s half-life.
Enclosing therapeutic compounds within biodegradable polymeric microspheres offers a means to extend the duration of a drug’s efficacy either by establishing a close association at the target site or by enhancing bio-retention. Various types of microspheres possess unique mechanisms for prolonging their therapeutic effects.
2. Reduced dosage frequency
When bioretention times are extended, the dosage frequency can be reduced, leading to a sizable increase in patient compliance.
One of the most common forms of noncompliance in patients is dose omissions. Reducing the frequency of doses could lead to improved adherence overall– however, this is not always pharmacologically viable nor clinically appropriate. Microsphere drug delivery technology provides a route for controlled release systems with high efficacy and reduced dosage regimens.
3. More reproducible drug absorption
The spherical shape and small particle size are unique to microspheres, making them ideal for containing small molecules and transforming a single drug dose into several tiny unit dosage forms. This leads to dramatically improved clinical efficacy by regulating absorption in a more reproducible way.
4. Easily injected
The versatility of microsphere-based drug delivery is remarkable, finding applications in a diverse array of fields, including depot injections. The gradual, regulated release characteristic of depot injections aligns closely with the distinctive attributes that render microspheres highly effective.
5. Fewer side effects
Microspheres provide a significant reduction in the excipient materials found in drug products. A host of adverse side effects have been associated with pharmaceutical excipients, whether a result of a clearly toxic inactive ingredient or accidental excipient overdose when exceptionally large drug dosages are required.
6. Enhanced environmental stability
Environmental factors can disrupt drug metabolism, leading to premature release, commonly referred to as dose dumping, which can result in various side effects, including drug-induced toxicity.
Employing spherical particles for drug encapsulation and delivery not only enhances release properties and bioavailability but also improves environmental stability. One of the many beneficial and distinctive characteristics of microspheres for drug delivery is the mitigation of dose dumping phenomena.
7. Greater biocompatibility
An expanding array of both natural and synthetic polymers are being employed in the engineering of microsphere drug formulations, with biodegradable options emerging to address limitations encountered in the clinical application of certain materials.
Biodegradable microspheres represent a potent force in drug delivery technology, as they combine the advantages of polymer engineering with the additional benefit of biodegradability.
About Powder Systems 
Powder Systems Limited (PSL) provides a full range of solid liquid separation solutions for filtration, drying, and processing from research and development activities up to larger commercial production scale.
Quality and innovation are central to everything they do. They are proud of their award-winning track record and have been working with industry partners for over 35 years.
PSL supports clients by developing solutions to overcome challenging manufacturing processes and provide first-class aftercare services.
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