Recent Trends in Clinical Trials Related to Carrier-Based Drugs.

Clinical trials related to carrier-based drugs have recently attracted attention because carrier-based drugs hold promise for high efficiency drug delivery and for reducing drug-related side effects. In this commentary, we introduce recent clinical trials involving the use of various carriers, including liposomes, nano and micro particles, micelles, emulsions, and polymeric carriers. Liposomal drug carriers are currently the most intensively tested carriers in clinical trials, but other carriers such as polymeric carriers, albumin-based carriers, and metal nanocarriers have also recently been studied in clinical trials. Each carrier has specific properties, advantages, and disadvantages. The recent clinical trials introduced herein provide information critical to understanding current trends in carrier-based drug research.