Drug–polymer conjugates: Challenges, opportunities, and future prospects in clinical trials

By increasing the number of drug molecules while decreasing systemic drug exposure, targeted drug delivery seeks to improve the therapeutic efficacy. Since the 1990s, a number of polymeric–drug and polymer–protein conjugates have been available on the market. However, while being in clinical trials currently, polymer–drug conjugates still need to achieve this ultimate objective. A stronger understanding of cell biology, together with the tremendous advancements in polymer chemistry and bioconjugation strategies, has created an array of new, fascinating problems and opportunities. This book chapter highlights drug–polymer conjugation, tracing its development and outlining its potential. The “technology platform” of polymer therapeutics enables the creation of unique and intriguing polymeric materials as well as their combination with novel bioactive agents to meet current advancements in drug therapy.