For patients with chronic conditions who struggle with daily dosing, "long-acting" delivery systems are the preferred solution in 2025. This includes advanced transdermal patches and biodegradable implants that can deliver a steady stream of medication for weeks, months, or even years.

The Drug Delivery Devices Market report identifies "Microneedle Patches" as the next-generation leader in transdermal delivery. These patches contain hundreds of microscopic needles that penetrate only the top layer of skin—meaning they are completely painless. They are being used for everything from flu vaccines to hormonal therapies. In 2025, they are particularly valuable in developing regions because they are shelf-stable and do not require a "cold chain" for transport.

Implantable devices are also seeing a shift toward "Bio-Resorbability." In the past, implants had to be surgically removed. Today, many orthopedic and oncology implants are made from polymers that slowly dissolve into the body after the drug is depleted. This "No-Trace" delivery is especially beneficial in palliative care and psychiatric medicine, where ensuring a constant therapeutic level of medication is critical for patient stability and safety.