Final answer:
A drug form enclosed within a gelatin shell is known as a capsule. Capsules are used to deliver drugs and can encapsulate both liquids and solids, offering a way to protect ingredients and engineer release rates. Advancements include nanoparticle-based delivery for targeted therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The drug form where the drug is enclosed within a gelatin shell is known as a capsule. Capsules are a common dosage form in pharmaceuticals and are widely used to deliver drugs in a solid form. The gelatin shell allows for the encapsulation of both liquid and solid substances, providing a way to administer substances that may be unpleasant tasting or odorous, thus improving patient compliance. Furthermore, the shell can protect sensitive ingredients from air and light, thus enhancing the stability of the encapsulated drug.
Advancements in drug delivery systems have led to the development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery, where the active compound is loaded into nanoparticles for targeted delivery. This can significantly optimize the therapeutic effects and reduce side effects, as seen in various cancer treatments.
In the context of controlled and sustained release formulations, the use of gelatin in encapsulation also offers the possibility to engineer the release rate of the drug. The material properties of the shell, as well as the core's composition, can be manipulated to achieve the desired pharmacokinetic profile. This emphasizes the importance of material science in the design of drug formulations towards personalized medicine.