Dermal Absorption of Peptides and Proteins

Historically, the skin was viewed as an impermeable barrier. However, in recent years, it has been increasingly recognized that intact skin can be used as a port for continuous systemic administration of drugs. The first transdermal drug delivery system which has used this new concept is a scopolamine-releasing transdermal therapeutic system (Transderm-Scop® by Ciba) for motion sickness. This was followed by the marketing of several nitroglycerin-releasing systems. Currently, about ten drugs have been either successfully marketed or are under clinical evaluation for transdermal delivery.