Spray on science: Revolutionizing topical drug delivery with film-forming systems

Background Film-forming sprays (FFS) have emerged as advanced topical and transdermal drug delivery systems offering improved drug retention, enhanced bioavailability, and better patient compliance compared to conventional formulations. However, despite their growing application, a clear understanding of formulation strategies, limitations, and clinical relevance remains insufficient. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on formulation components, mechanisms of film formation, polymer selection, evaluation techniques, and clinical applications of FFS. Relevant peer-reviewed articles, recent advancements, and comparative studies were critically analyzed. Results FFS systems demonstrate significant advantages such as uniform film formation, prolonged drug residence time, and improved therapeutic efficacy. The performance of FFS is highly dependent on polymer characteristics, solvent systems, and formulation parameters. However, challenges including formulation instability, limited drug loading, skin irritation, and scalability issues remain. Comparative analysis with conventional topical systems highlights superior drug permeation and patient acceptability of FFS. Conclusions Film-forming sprays represent a promising platform for topical and transdermal drug delivery. Future research should focus on overcoming formulation and industrial challenges, improving clinical translation, and integrating advanced materials to enhance therapeutic outcomes.