Biotechnology to improve patients' medication compliance: many obstacles hinder patients from taking medications as directed. Science is finding ways to overcome them.

The importance of patient compliance is universally recognized among participants at every level of the medical care network, from physicians and allied health professionals, to corporate executives and managed care specialists, to the patients themselves. However, the assurance of patient compliance in a manner that is practical and not excessively intrusive into patients' lifestyles and dignity remains an elusive goal.

The obstacles to compliance are numerous. In some patients, such as those with dementia or psychosis, the problem may be dependence on others for reliable delivery of a medical regimen. In others, chaotic lifestyles, rebelliousness, denial, problems with attention, or socioeconomic hardship may be factors. The treatment itself may present an obstacle to compliance--for example, if it is painful or cumbersome.

Compliance is not an all-or-none phenomenon. However, even partial compliance can lead to deleterious outcomes. Therefore, a method of guaranteeing consistent drug dosing is of great importance.

Recently, a number of biotechnologic advances, specifically in the area of drug delivery, have shown potential to ameliorate this problem. One promising approach involves a means of delivering a drug at very infrequent intervals, with a sustained effect between …