Revolutionizing Dual Therapy: Biodegradable Polymers for Sustained Metformin and Alendronate Delivery in Chronic Illness Management

Diabetes and osteoporosis are considered chronic illnesses for which management interventions have to be appropriate. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug used for the management of type II diabetes, and alendronate is an osteoporosis-treating oral drug that has restricted bioavailability due to side effects and poor therapeutic efficacy. Yet, it is possible to use controlled drug delivery systems (CDDS), which are capable of releasing the drugs on time. This review assesses the CDDS of metformin and alendronate to determine the shortcomings of their combination therapy and problems associated with oral delivery. It also discusses the barrier properties of biodegradable polymers that influence drug stability and release, and the association between diabetes and osteoporosis. It also expands on why metformin + alendronate combined therapy is better than other market drugs. Moreover, the prospects of creating antimicrobial agents and various polymers that can control and deliver both drugs are considered. The research aims to review the existing literature to highlight existing challenges in the treatments and their effectiveness, and establish ways of managing these challenges to increase patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy.