Current and Future Perspectives in Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

Dermal and transdermal drug delivery continue to evolve as pivotal strategies for both localized and systemic therapy, driven by advances in formulation science, device technologies, and translational research. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current achievements while critically exploring future directions that will shape the next generation of skin-based therapeutics.

The collection will feature original research articles and authoritative reviews addressing innovative formulation approaches, including lipid- and polymer-based carriers, nanostructured systems, and prodrug strategies designed to overcome the skin barrier and optimize therapeutic performance. Emphasis will be placed on physical and device-assisted delivery technologies—microneedles, laser-assisted permeabilization, iontophoresis, and wearable platforms—that are redefining the possibilities of controlled and patient-centric drug administration.

Contributions will also highlight advances in predictive models for skin delivery, encompassing in vitro and ex vivo methodologies, in vitro–in vivo correlations, and emerging in silico and AI-driven tools that support rational product development. Finally, this Special Issue will address translational, regulatory, and manufacturing challenges, including Quality by Design, bioavailability and bioequivalence assessment, and pathways for clinical implementation.

By integrating fundamental science with applied innovation, this collection seeks to offer a forward-looking perspective on how dermal and transdermal drug delivery can meet future therapeutic, technological, and regulatory demands.

Subtopics of interest include:

1. Advanced formulation strategies for dermal and transdermal delivery;
2. Physical and device-assisted technologies for skin permeabilization;
3. Targeted and precision delivery to skin and systemic circulation;
4. In vitro, in vivo, and in silico models for predictive skin delivery.

Any research topic on emerging platforms for dermal and transdermal therapeutics will be considered.

Dr. Modestas Žilius
Prof. Dr. Vitalis Briedis
Guest Editors

Dr. Agnė Mazurkevičiūtė
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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