Recent Progress in Dendrimer-based Drug Delivery Systems: Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Outlook

Abstract

Dendrimers are highly ordered nanoscale macromolecules characterized by well-defined architecture, monodispersity, and broad surface functionality. Their customizable physicochemical properties make them ideal drug-delivery vehicles for overcoming the constraints of traditional treatments. A narrative literature synthesis was undertaken using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Recent research focusing on dendrimer production, structural properties, drug-loading processes, targeted techniques, therapeutic uses, and clinical translation was critically appraised. Dendrimers demonstrated considerable benefits for regulated drug encapsulation, accurate surface functionalization, and targeted administration of a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Surface-engineered dendrimer systems consistently boosted bioavailability, decreased systemic toxicity, and promoted site-specific drug accumulation, therefore boosting therapeutic effectiveness. Their applications range beyond cancer, gene and nucleic acid delivery, infectious illnesses, neurological disorders, and theranostic platforms. Furthermore, some clinically evaluated dendrimer-based systems have exhibited remarkable translational potential, underscoring their possibility for future therapeutic applications. Despite impressive improvements, numerous fundamental difficulties remain that limit the general clinical translation of dendrimer-based nanomedicines. These include generation-dependent cytotoxicity, poor biodegradability in some dendrimer designs, large-scale manufacturing and batch-to-batch repeatability challenges, as well as rigorous regulatory and quality control requirements. Addressing these restrictions via rational molecular design, scalable manufacturing methodologies, and standardized regulatory frameworks will be critical for effective clinical translation. Dendrimers are a highly adaptable and promising family of next-generation nanocarriers with great potential for precise drug delivery and improved therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, continued efforts toward developing safer and biodegradable dendrimer architectures, establishing cost-effective and scalable manufacturing processes, and generating robust preclinical and clinical evidence are imperative to facilitate their successful integration into routine clinical practice.