Patent review reveals expanding liposomal and hybrid nanoparticle platforms for cancer therapies, indicating steady progress in overcoming drug bioavailability hurdles.
Lipid‐based drug delivery systems (LBDDS) are a pharmaceutical strategy that improves the bioavailability of poorly water‐soluble drugs and reduces possible side effects, offering a wide variety of treatments for different pathologies, especially cancer treatment. This review aims to assess the current state of patents for LBDDS. A search was conducted in the Espacenet database from 2014 to 2024. Keywords included “Delivery system” and “Lipid”. Sixty‐six patents met the inclusion criteria, originating from China, Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Most of these patents focus on liposomes, with the majority aimed at improving characteristics related to efficiency, safety, and cancer treatment. LBDDS have shown significant promise in improving the bioavailability, safety, and efficacy of poorly water‐soluble drugs, particularly in cancer treatment and gene therapy. Patents over the past decade highlighted ongoing innovations in liposomes, nanoemulsions, and lipid‐polymer hybrid nanoparticles. While academic research is outpacing patent filings, the integration of both can drive further technological advancements. Despite challenges in scalability and regulatory concerns, LBDDS continues to be a promising platform for enhancing drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Practical application : This patent review highlights recent technological advances in lipid‐based drug delivery systems (LBDDS), offering researchers and developers a comprehensive overview of current industrial innovations. The findings support the identification of emerging excipients, nanocarrier architectures, and formulation strategies that can guide the design of next‐generation lipid systems with improved stability, bioavailability, and targeting efficiency. The compiled patent trends also help innovators recognize opportunities for translational research, anticipate regulatory and manufacturing challenges, and align academic developments with industrial needs. Furthermore, the review provides insights relevant to therapeutic areas such as cancer, gene therapy, and central nervous system disorders, facilitating the strategic selection of lipid carriers for specific applications. Overall, this work serves as a valuable resource for researchers aiming to accelerate the development, optimization, and commercialization of new lipid‐based pharmaceutical products.
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Junca‐Fonseca et al. (2026) studied this question.
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