Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are among the most popular and widely studied solubility enhancement techniques. Since their inception in the early 1960s, the formulation development of ASDs has undergone tremendous progress. For instance, the method of preparing ASDs evolved from solvent-based approaches to solvent-free methods such as hot melt extrusion and Kinetisol®. The formulation approaches have advanced from employing a single polymeric carrier to multiple carriers with plasticizers to improve the stability and performance of ASDs. Major excipient manufacturers recognized the potential of ASDs and began introducing specialty excipients ideal for formulating ASDs. In addition to traditional techniques such as differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray crystallography, recent innovations such as nano-tomography, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray microscopy support a better understanding of the microstructure of ASDs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent advancements in the field of ASDs with respect to formulation approaches, methods of preparation, and advanced characterization techniques
Medicine is accelerating rapidly, offering the advantages of site-specific delivery, minimized side effects, and improved treatment outcomes. A diverse array of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, myocardial infarction, and Alzheimer’s disease, are often accompanied by severe adverse effects and limited specificity, necessitating concentrated attention on targeted therapies. Recent advancements in molecular profiling and understanding of target pathways have enabled the identification of specific biomarkers and gene targets. These advancements have led to the development of targeted therapies that focus on the specific molecular alterations responsible for disease progression. Such therapies offer a more personalized and effective approach to treatment. This review focuses on the benefits of targeted therapies compared to traditional therapeutics and provides an overview of currently available targeted therapies for chronic diseases. By highlighting these advancements, the review aims to illustrate the progress in disease treatment towards more personalized approaches. The goal is to underscore how targeted therapies have evolved and how they represent a significant shift towards personalized therapy.