The Role of Polymer Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Drug Development

Abstract

Polymer chemistry has emerged as a transformative force in pharmaceutical drug development, offering innovative solutions for drug solubility, stability, release kinetics, and targeted delivery. This article explores the fundamental and applied aspects of polymer use in pharmaceutics, including synthetic and natural polymers, their modification, and role in novel dosage forms such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and micelles. Recent advances in stimuli-responsive and biodegradable polymers have expanded the possibilities for controlled and site-specific drug delivery. This paper outlines the critical roles of polymer chemistry across different stages of drug formulation, highlighting current challenges and future directions in personalized and precision medicine.