Targeted drug delivery strategies: Ligand-based approaches

Targeted drug delivery systems represent a significant advancement in pharmacology, providing improved therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. Among various targeting methodologies, ligand-based approaches have demonstrated significant promise due to their specificity, adaptability, and potential for clinical translation. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms of ligand-receptor interactions, conjugation techniques, and the challenges of optimizing binding affinity and internalization efficiency. Case studies highlight successful preclinical and clinical applications, especially in oncology and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, the chapter addresses current limitations, such as off-target effects, immunogenicity, and scalability, while outlining future directions for improving selectivity and therapeutic outcomes through rational ligand design and nanotechnology integration. Overall, this comprehensive overview provides insights into the role of ligand-based targeting in advancing precision medicine.