Abstract

In search of innovation in the field of pharmaceuticals, it is increasingly realised that a lot can be achieved by changing the course of the delivery of drugs by way of suitable formulation strategies. While discovering new molecules (NCE) requires significant investments and is fraught with risk, novel formulation strategies are both, low investment as well as low risk and is like giving new lease of life to old drugs. This understanding gave rise to the field of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS). Here, functional excipients have a major role to play as they are responsible for bringing desired improvements in drug pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics which relates to their efficacy and safety. In recent years, a great deal of emphasis is given to identify and develop a wide range of materials for different medical applications. Interestingly, the majority of the success that it attained, relates to lipidic systems vis a vis other classes which are deemed unsafe specially those which can turn hostile. Nanoparticles of synthetic materials can block and form emboli and proteins can turn immunogenic. Amongst these lipids, it is Phospholipids, the core building block of Liposome Technology, which proved to be real panacea. The uniqueness of these bio-mimicking and bio-friendly materials lie in their fundamental chemical skeleton With hydrophilic head group and two hydrophobic fatty acids on a strong glycerol backbone, these polar molecules (in appropriate combinations and conditioning) can provide an array of super-structures (host assembly) which can serve as a vehicle to transport the molecule across the various biological barriers. The patent winning products in the market are the proof of the concept for eg. : Doxil®, DaunoXome®, Mepact®, Marqibo® etc.Phospholipids offer a wide range of options in its chemical and physico-chemical properties so as to provide tailor made opportunity to suit the desired drug release profile. The added advantage is their functionality to play active part in meeting the objectives, besides the carrying capacity . For example they are proven well in neuro and cardio-protection. The major focal applications include neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, dermatological and Cosmeceuticals. The presentation, here in, would encompass the background opportunities, challenges and future possibilities formulation research . it aims to educate and encourage the formulators with high aspirations in exploratory as well as translational research.