Abstract
In 1975 Prof. Ringsdorf already proposed the systematic model for polymeric drugs (polymer-drug conjugates or macromolecular prodrugs), so-called “Ringsdorf's model”, aiming at enhancement and prolongation of activity of drugs, and reduced side-effects of drugs. In this review, the authors introduce the recent advances in macromolecular prodrug researches, from the stand-points of the structures(shapes) of polymeric carriers, the controlled release by polymer-drug linkages and the drug-targeting by homing devices, with discussing about what kind of concepts proposed in the “Ringsdorf's model” have been achieved or progressed.
