ABSTRACT
Iontophoresis is a process, which enhances transport of ionized substances into or through a tissue by the application of low level electrical potential [1,2]. In vitro studies [3-5] and in vivo animal studies [6,7] have demonstrated the feasibility of this method for enhancing drug penetration and absorption into systemic circulation. This approach seems to be promising for transdermal delivery of large and poorly permeable drugs. Currently, iontophoretic delivery systems for lidocaine (LidoSiteTM, developed by Vyteris, Inc.) and fentanyl (IONSYSTM, developed by Alza Corp.) were approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use. Furthermore, these promising drug-delivery systems can be potentially adapted and customized to administer peptide and protein drugs.
