Patents and Clinical Trials of Silk-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Silk is a natural polymer known for its important role in biomaterial systems involving pharmaceuticals, which attract pharmaceutical and material scientists to work on the wide variety of drug delivery as well as biomedical applications. The physical and mechanical properties of silk polymer, along with its biodegradability and biocompatibility characteristics, have made it one of the leading types of research striking tool with numerous applications including drug delivery. This chapter encompasses a few patents and clinical trials of silk-based drug delivery systems (DDSs). Patent analysis reveals a growing relevance in silk-based DDSs, including a significant number of patents filed worldwide, covering diverse applications and formulations. Clinical trials involving silk-based DDSs are also on the rise, demonstrating their translational potential. The clinical results underscore the safety and efficacy of silk-based carriers, showcasing their versatility in delivering a range of therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutics, growth factors, and biologics. Silkbased DDSs represent a thriving field with a robust patent landscape and a growing body of clinical evidence supporting their utility. Their unique properties, coupled with their ability to cater to various drug delivery challenges, position silk-based systems as a promising avenue for the development of advanced pharmaceutical formulations and therapies.