Transepidermal Drug Delivery: Overview, Concept, and Applications

Abstract

Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) is currently being implemented in the dermatologi-cal clinic as a new method to enhance skin uptake of topical therapeutics. Compared to conventional topical use, clinical evidence shows benefit for neoplastic lesions, photo-damaged skin, scars, onychomycosis, and topical anesthetic procedures. Particularly compelling evidence is available for photody-namic therapy (PDT), where improved and longer-lasting remission using laser-assisted methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) treatment for actinic keratosis is established compared to conventional PDT. Still, safety concerns related to increased risks of local and systemic side effects remain, especially when performing LADD over large skin areas. Provided responsible development, however, LADD holds promise as a new delivery modality with the potential to improve treatment of numerous dermatological conditions.