TRANSDERMAL THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS AS A PROMISING PROLONGED-RELEASE DOSAGE FORM

Received: 08.05.2026

Accepted: 10.08.2026

Published online: 21.08.2026

UDC: 615.454.1

DOI: 10.53511/pharmkaz.2026.4.14

 

TRANSDERMAL THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS AS A PROMISING PROLONGED-RELEASE DOSAGE FORM

 

Beiseyeva Sh. N.,¹* Serikbayeva E.А.,¹ Torlanova B.O.,

²Zhakipbekov K.S.,¹ Ustenova G.O.¹

¹Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

²  “South Kazakhstan Medical Academy,” JSC, Shymkent, Republic of Kazakhstan

 

Introduction. Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTSs) are dosage forms designed to provide controlled delivery of an active pharmaceutical ingredient through the skin over an extended period. Their ability to maintain relatively stable drug exposure, reduce dosing frequency, and bypass hepatic first-pass metabolism supports growing interest in TTSs as a platform for long-term pharmacotherapy. Assessment of contemporary pharmaceutical and technological approaches to TTS development, together with their availability in the pharmaceutical market of Kazakhstan, is therefore relevant.

Objective. To review the pharmaceutical and technological characteristics of transdermal therapeutic systems as promising prolonged-release dosage forms and to assess current development trends and their representation in the pharmaceutical market of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Materials and Methods. A review-analytical study was conducted using a structured literature search and a PRISMA 2020-based publication selection flow. Searches were performed from January to June 2026 in Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. English- and Russian-language publications issued between 2015 and 2026 addressing the composition, manufacturing technology, classification, efficacy, safety, and advanced enhancement of transdermal drug delivery were considered. The initial search identified 98 records. After removal of 46 duplicates, 52 records remained; 18 were excluded during title and abstract screening. Thirty-four full-text publications were assessed, six were excluded according to the eligibility criteria, and 28 publications were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Data from the State Register of Medicinal Products of the Republic of Kazakhstan and available pharmaceutical market information were additionally analyzed.

Results. The reviewed evidence indicates that TTSs can provide controlled drug release and reduce fluctuations in drug exposure during prolonged pharmacotherapy. Their principal advantages include prolonged action, reduced dosing frequency, the possibility of terminating treatment by removing the system, and avoidance of hepatic first-pass metabolism. Contemporary approaches for enhancing transdermal delivery include chemical penetration enhancers, iontophoresis, sonophoresis, microneedle systems, and in silico modeling. The global market includes systemic TTSs containing agents such as scopolamine, methylphenidate, buprenorphine, and hormonal drugs, as well as locally acting medicated patches. Analysis of the Kazakhstan market demonstrated a limited range of systemic TTSs and a predominance of imported products. Systemic dosage forms included nicotine, fentanyl, estradiol, and rivastigmine, whereas locally acting patches included diclofenac, ketoprofen, and lidocaine.

Discussion. The findings support the technological potential of TTSs for prolonged and controlled drug delivery. However, further development is constrained by skin permeability, physicochemical properties of active substances, polymer-matrix selection, adhesion, safety requirements, and the complexity of industrial manufacturing. The limited availability of systemic TTSs and the predominance of imported products in Kazakhstan indicate a potential niche for domestic pharmaceutical technology development.

Conclusion. Transdermal therapeutic systems represent a promising platform for prolonged and controlled drug delivery. Future development should focus on optimization of polymer matrices, penetration-enhancement strategies, physical delivery methods, microneedle technologies, and in silico modeling. For Kazakhstan, the development and localization of domestic TTS production may expand the range of innovative dosage forms and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceutical products.

Keywords: transdermal therapeutic systems; transdermal patches; prolonged-release dosage forms; controlled release; drug delivery; pharmaceutical technology; microneedles; in silico modeling.

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