New developments in intrauterine drug delivery systems and devices

Abstract This chapter contains a comprehensive historical review of intrauterine drug delivery systems and intrauterine devices. A general overview of the uterus anatomy and some basic concepts is introduced, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of these systems and devices and the general aspects of factors influencing drug absorption by the uterine route. The authors then explain in detail the most important approaches in the development of such systems and devices, considering novel systems and long-acting formulations. In the last part of the chapter, safety, patient acceptability, normative and regulatory aspects of these systems, and devices are discussed.