In-situ Gelling System – Potential Tool for Improving Therapeutic Effects of Drugs

In-situ forming polymeric gelling systems has become prominent among novel drug delivery system (NDDS) in recent years due to advantages such as sustained and prolonged drug action, improved patient compliance and reduced frequency of administration of the drug in comparison to conventional drug delivery system (DDS). This is a type of mucoadhesive DDS where the polymeric formulation is in sol form before administration and once comes in contact with body fluids; it undergoes gelation to form a gel. Use of various natural, biocompatible, biodegradable as well as water soluble polymers such as chitosan, glycoginic acid, poly-caprolactone, gellan gum, xyloglucan, poly-D,L-lactic acid, pluronic F127, carbopol, poly-D, L-lactide-co-glycolide and pectin makes this DDS more acceptable. In-situ gels can be fabricated by various methods in combination with different drugs and polymers for both local and systemic therapy where each drug shows its own therapeutic effects at the targeted site of action. This review presents the current developments and importance of various drugs formulated as in-situ polymeric gelling systems and its corresponding improvement in therapeutic effects.