Targeted delivery of active substances

Targeted delivery of active substances is a pharmacological strategy designed to increase the concentration of a therapeutic agent in a specific body region, tissue, or cell type while minimizing its presence in non-target areas [1]. This concept does not represent a discrete biological target like a receptor or enzyme; rather, it is a technological framework encompassing various delivery platforms such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), nanoparticles, and liposomes [2][3]. The goal is to enhance the therapeutic index of drugs by improving efficacy and reducing systemic side effects, which is particularly critical for highly potent or toxic agents [4]. Many targeted systems utilize ligands that recognize specific biomarkers on the surface of diseased cells or exploit unique environmental conditions, such as the acidic pH of a tumor or the presence of specific enzymes, to trigger drug release [5]. In modern medicine, this approach is a cornerstone of oncology, allowing for the precise delivery of cytotoxic payloads to malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue [6].

Other names

Targeted drug deliverySite-specific drug deliveryDrug delivery systems (DDS)Smart drug deliveryTargeted therapy delivery

Improving the therapeutic index by using carriers (e.g., antibodies, nanoparticles, liposomes) or chemical modifications to localize drug concentration at specific physiological sites, thereby enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity [1][2].