Biphasic vesicles: a novel topical drug delivery system.

Non-invasive drug delivery systems provide alternative routes of administration and improved delivery of drugs to localized target sites in the body. Topically applied dermal and transdermal delivery systems could replace needles required to administer many of the new biologics-based drugs and vaccines, in addition to other significant advantages such as avoiding first-pass hepatic metabolism, gastric degradation and frequent dosing. However, the limited dermal and transdermal delivery of many small and large molecules is a significant challenge because of the unyielding barrier properties of the skin. This paper reviews the application of a novel topical delivery system, biphasic vesicles built from nanoscale components, to the delivery of several therapeutic agents and vaccine antigens and discusses progress toward clinical use.