Hydrogels are crosslinked, macromolecular polymeric materials arranged in a three-dimensional network, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels are commonly used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book elucidates the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels and will provide key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research.

Long-Acting Drug Delivery Systems: Pharmaceutical, Clinical, and Regulatory Aspects offers a comprehensive overview of the technical, clinical, regulatory and industrial perspectives on these drug delivery systems. The book follows a sequential order, beginning with the current technical state-of-the-field and moving on to more clinical, industrial and regulatory topics. Opening chapters describe the current needs and potential applications of implantable and long-acting therapeutic approaches. The book goes on to describe established and novel long-acting systems, with a focus on the materials used to prepare these systems and their biocompatibility. Importantly, applied topics such as scale-up manufacturing, products under clinical trials and regulatory aspects are covered, offering the reader a holistic view of this rapidly growing field.

Hydrogels are crosslinked, macromolecular polymeric materials arranged in a three-dimensional network, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels are commonly used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book elucidates the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels and will provide key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research.