Hydrogel Systems for Clinical Research emerging trends in Therapeutics

Abstract

This abstract summarizes current trends in hydrogel design and translational strategies that are advancing clinical research in therapeutics. It emphasizes responsive chemistries, device–drug combination pathways, and application niches with promising near-term clinical applications. Hydrogels are water-based polymer networks that can change their mechanical and transport properties. In the last ten years, they have quickly moved from research labs to real-world applications. Hydrogels are useful for several purposes: they can provide localized drug delivery, act as carriers for cells and genes, and serve as scaffolds for healing wounds and regenerating tissues. They are also effective in transdermal microneedle systems, which allow for painless drug administration. Hydrogels are becoming important platforms in clinical settings, effectively connecting biologics, small molecules, and cell therapies. They are particularly useful for local treatments, chronic wound repair, osteoarticular injections, and minimally invasive vaccine delivery. Early strategic engagement on chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) as well as regulatory pathways for combination products, along with the design of imaging-enabled endpoints, will help accelerate first-in-human studies and enhance the therapeutic impact.