Responsive polymeric delivery systems

This paper discusses the state of the art in a relatively new approach in t he field of controlled drug delivery-responsive polymeric drug delivery sys tems. Such systems are capable of adjusting drug release rates in response to a physiological need. The fundamental principles of externally and self- regulated delivery systems are examined. Special attention is paid to speci fic clinical settings such as diabetes, presenting the advantages and disad vantages of different approaches. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.