Delivery of hormones: some new concepts.

Some new concepts in the delivery of hormones are described. Transmucosal or transdermal penetration of hormones can be facilitated, often by the use of absorption enhancers. Studies of nasal insulin delivery are described. Recently developed iontophoretic delivery devices can be useful for pulsatile transdermal administration of peptide hormones. A self-regulating delivery system releasing insulin in response to glucose levels is described. A vaginal ring releasing ethinylestradiol and 3-ketodesogestrel is a new concept in long-acting contraception. A nasal estradiol formulation, containing the absorption enhancer dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin, is an interesting alternative to oral and transdermal delivery of female sex hormones.