Newer insights in buccal drug delivery system: A comprehensive review

The Buccal Drug Delivery System (BDDS) has garnered significant attention in recent years as a non-invasive and effective method for systemic drug delivery. In particular, buccal patches offer numerous advantages, such as bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism, enhancing bioavailability, ensuring ease of use, and improving patient compliance. Due to the rich vascularization of the buccal mucosa, these systems facilitate rapid drug absorption and onset of action. Advancements in BDDS are evident in the development of novel mucoadhesive polymers, nanoparticulate systems, enzyme inhibitors, and innovative drug delivery technologies, including 3D printing and thermos-sensitive patches. These advancements have markedly enhanced residence time, controlled release, and the overall effectiveness of buccal drug delivery. However, several challenges remain, such as limited permeability for larger molecules, enzymatic degradation, variability in saliva flow, and mucosal irritation. Furthermore, it underscores the existing limitations and proposes potential future directions, including personalized medicine and gene therapy through buccal administration. Overall, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the current state of buccal drug delivery, recent developments, and future opportunities within the buccal drug delivery system, thereby aiding in the design and development of more effective and patient-friendly pharmaceutical products.