Abstract
The share of biopharmaceuticals is expected to further increase in the future. Biopharmaceuticals, which consist of peptides and proteins, are anticipated to exhibit greater specificity to target molecules within the body compared to small molecule drugs. However, most biopharmaceuticals are administered by injection because they are broken down by enzymes when taken orally. We have been exploring the development of transdermal formulations (e.g., patches or ointments) as an alternative to injectable biopharmaceuticals. In this review, we introduce the transdermal delivery of insulin, a representative peptide drug, and present a transdermal vaccine for malaria as an alternative to injection. Finally, we discuss cutting–edge research on transdermal formulations for the latest nucleic acid drugs.
