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Trends in Drug Delivery Review Article

Comprehensive Review on Pulsatile Drug Delivery System: Hybrid Approaches

  1. Shradha R. Khopade Department of Pharmacy, Genba Sopanrao Moze college of Pharmacy, Wagholi, Pune
  2. Mokshada S. Kashid Department of Pharmacy, Genba Sopanrao Moze college of Pharmacy, Wagholi, Pune
  3. Sushma T. Nakhate Department of Pharmacy, Genba Sopanrao Moze college of Pharmacy, Wagholi, Pune

Abstract

Pulsatile drug delivery systems (PDDS) represent a groundbreaking approach in pharmaceutical technology, allowing for controlled, targeted, and programmable drug release that aligns with circadian rhythms or caters to time-sensitive therapeutic requirements. Although traditional pulsatile systems have shown considerable clinical promise, their effectiveness is frequently compromised by physiological variations such as gastrointestinal transit times, changes in pH, and enzymatic activity. To tackle these obstacles, hybrid PDDS have been developed by combining two or more release mechanisms—such as time-controlled, stimuli-responsive, or externally triggered within a single framework. These hybrid systems offer improved consistency, flexibility, and accuracy in drug release profiles. This review underlines the basic principles governing PDDS, examines hybridization techniques like time + pH-responsive, enzyme-responsive, multi-stimuli, and device–polymer hybrids, and showcases recent advancements in oral, injectable, transdermal, and wearable systems. Additionally, it addresses the prospects for industrial and clinical application, encompassing areas like oncology, ophthalmology, vaccines, regenerative medicine, and the management of chronic illnesses. Future outlooks highlight the influence of 3D/4D printing, digital therapeutics, and telemedicine in developing personalized hybrid PDDS. Despite facing hurdles in scalability, consistency, and regulatory approval, hybrid PDDS possess transformative potential to enhance precision medicine and next-generation therapeutic approaches.

Keywords

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