Solid dosage forms face the risk of the Maillard reaction during development and storage. This reaction occurs between reducing excipients and amino-group-containing drugs, potentially leading to discoloration, impurity formation, and degradation of active ingredients, significantly impacting product quality and excipient selection. Using lactose, a representative reducing excipient, as an example, this article systematically explores the mechanisms, influencing factors, control strategies, and potential applications of the Maillard reaction in solid dosage forms. It aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for formulation optimization, quality control, and innovative development of pharmaceutical preparations. Searches of Google Scholar and PubMed were undertaken to gather the literature included in this review. The Maillard reaction between lactose and amino-group-containing drugs poses a significant quality risk, directly affecting the stability and safety of pharmaceutical preparations. In generic drug development, controlling this reaction is a critical step in achieving consistency with the reference listed drug (RLD). Instead of simply avoiding lactose, a proactive strategy should be adopted early in development. Through compatibility assessment, mechanistic studies, and comprehensive control measures, this challenge can be transformed into an opportunity for formulation optimization and innovation, thereby advancing the development of high-quality solid dosage forms.

ABSTRACT Introduction Cyclodextrin‐based drug delivery systems provide a robust platform for designing targeted nanocarriers that efficiently encapsulate, stabilize, and deliver poorly soluble drugs to specific sites. Their unique ability to form host – guest complexes and construct supramolecular networks adorned with tailored ligands allows precise targeting of diseased areas, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. Areas covered This review provides an overview of recent advances in cyclodextrin‐based carriers for targeted drug delivery. It examines a wide array of ligand-functionalized systems, from conjugates and assemblies to branched polymers and nanosponges, organized according to their target organs, including the brain, eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and breast. The discussion is grounded in an extensive literature search, highlighting strategies such as the incorporation of active targeting ligands, stimuli‐responsive release mechanisms, and dual-function theragnostic platforms. Expert opinion Although cyclodextrin‐based systems have demonstrated promising improvements in drug solubility, stability, and target specificity, challenges remain with regard to overcoming biological barriers and minimizing off‐target effects. The authors believe that continued optimization of carrier design, combined with advances in targeting and stimuli‐responsive technologies, will be crucial for translating these innovative systems into effective clinical therapies.

ABSTRACT Introduction This review summarizes the application of nanomaterial-mediated intra-articular targeted drug delivery systems in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and their regulatory mechanisms on key cellular signaling pathways. Studies have shown that novel nanocarriers can effectively load, deliver, and controllably release therapeutic agents, significantly enhancing drug bioavailability and reducing systemic toxicity. By precisely modulating signaling pathways, nanomaterials (NM) can effectively suppress inflammatory responses, alleviate oxidative stress, promote chondrocyte anabolism, delay extracellular matrix degradation, and regulate programmed cell death. This study highlights the potential of NM as a multi-target, synergistic therapeutic strategy for OA intervention, providing a theoretical and experimental basis for the development of next-generation precision therapies for OA. Areas covered This paper reviews the research progress of nano-drug delivery technology in the treatment of joint diseases, focusing on the potential mechanisms of targeted drug delivery and retention, promoting regeneration and repair, and realizing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. We identified relevant literature through PubMed and Web of Science, focusing on studies published over the past five years. Expert opinion Nanomaterials for osteoarthritis treatment are evolving from passive drug carriers to intelligently responsive, targeted multifunctional systems capable of personalized, proactive, and regenerative therapy, overcoming current limitations in toxicity and delivery precision.

ABSTRACT Background While generic inhalers are approved based on therapeutic equivalence to their reference listed drug (RLD) counterparts, design and labeling differences may unintentionally affect product usability and patient adherence. Comparative use data for drug-device combination products such as inhalers is limited, leaving gaps in understanding how design variations influence use errors. Research design and methods This study systematically compared five RLD inhalers and eight US FDA-approved generic counterparts selected from the US FDA Orange Book. The data was analyzed using a structured framework to classify and compare physical characteristics, labeling elements, and instructional cues. Results Differences were identified across all five groups, including variations in device shape, mouthpiece design, dose counter placement, handling technique, and instruction. Group 1 showed the most differences. These differences may result in errors such as incorrect device handling, reduced drug deposition, or increased difficulty learning proper inhaler techniques. Conclusions Findings revealed that design and labeling differences can introduce cognitive and physical product use challenges, potentially impacting proper inhaler use and patient adherence. While this study relied solely on publicly available materials, future work should incorporate user testing, digital human modeling, and assessments across patient populations with varying use characteristics.

ABSTRACT Introduction Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have emerged as natural nanocarriers with promising applications in drug delivery and precision medicine. Secreted by plant cells, PDEVs facilitate intercellular communication by transporting metabolites. Unlike conventional liposomes and mammalian-derived EVs, PDEVs demonstrate excellent biocompatibility, stability, and the ability to cross biological barriers without inducing inflammatory or cytotoxic effects. Their capacity to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutic agents highlight their versatility as targeted delivery platforms. Areas covered This review summarizes PDEV biogenesis in comparison with mammalian-derived EVs and emphasizes characterization techniques and the role of lipid components in drug delivery efficacy. Drug loading strategies are critically examined with respect to their efficiency, advantages, and limitations. Advances in engineering, including surface modification and hybrid vesicle formation, are discussed to enhance targeting precision, circulation stability, and controlled drug release. Therapeutic potential and synergetic application in disease prevention and management are evaluated, alongside key considerations such as storage stability, current limitations, and opportunities for clinical translation. Expert opinion PDEVs represents a promising platform for drug delivery and precision medicine. Although large-scale production, standardization and long-term stability remain challenges, recent innovations in loading strategies and engineering approaches demonstrate significant potential to overcome these barriers and accelerate clinical translation.

ABSTRACT Introduction Nasal sprays offer a versatile, noninvasive delivery route for topical, systemic, immunological, and nose-to-brain therapies, yet effective targeting is limited by nasal anatomical complexity and physiological constraints. Areas covered The literature related suboptimal intranasal spray deposition to nasal valve constriction, convoluted nasal passages, mucociliary clearance, and vast geometrical variability. This review examined recent strategies that enhanced dosimetry realism and improved target delivery: (1) including mucus coating and nasal cycle effects, (2) optimizing delivery protocols such as the spray angle, head position, and dosing regimen, (3) engineering device features to improve targeting, and (4) tailoring formulation properties like the viscosity and surface tension to support liquid film translocation. Experimental findings highlighting protocol-driven improvements in spray targeting to the nasopharynx and olfactory region are also discussed. Expert opinion The effectiveness of nasal sprays hinges on their ability to deliver medication beyond the anterior nasal cavity to the intended target sites. Achieving this requires not only optimized spray dynamics and device design, but also the strategic use of liquid film translocation following initial deposition. Advances in physiologically realistic models and anatomically guided protocols will be key to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of nasal spray technologies.

ABSTRACT Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer mortality, with poor outcomes driven by the tumor microenvironment (TME). Heterogeneous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), suppress immunity, and secrete cytokines that promote progression and resistance. As both barriers and therapeutic targets, CAFs are central to strategies aimed at overcoming treatment limitations in CRC. Areas covered We examine how CAF heterogeneity, with predominantly pro-tumorigenic but occasionally tumor-restraining functions, contributes to drug delivery resistance. This review highlights nanodrug delivery systems that integrate CAF targeting as a promising strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Approaches include passive and active targeting of ECM degradation to improve drug penetration, advanced carriers for CAF reprogramming, CAF markers, and multifunctional platforms combining chemo- and immunotherapy. Literature was identified through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov searches up to September 2025, focusing on CAF biology, nanodrug delivery, and CRC translation. Expert opinion CAF-targeted nanodrug delivery offers a transformative opportunity to address long-standing barriers in CRC therapy. Future advances will depend on the integration of multi-omics CAF subtyping, rational combination regimens, and clinically scalable nanocarriers to translate these strategies into a lasting clinical benefit.