Clinical translation of injectable hydrogels: from bioactive polymers to long-acting drug delivery systems

Injectable hydrogels (IHs) have emerged as versatile biomaterials that enable localized therapy through minimally invasive delivery. Their in situ sol-gel transition supports sustained and targeted release of therapeutics, enhancing patient comfort and reducing dosing frequency. However, clinical translation remains limited due to challenges in achieving controlled degradation, ensuring long-term biocompatibility, scaling production, and meeting regulatory standards. Despite these hurdles, several IH-based formulations are progressing through clinical trials or have reached the market, underscoring their therapeutic potential. This review examines the major translational barriers and highlights recent advances that are accelerating the adoption of IHs in precision and personalized medicine.