Next-Generation Dissolvable Vaginal Tablets for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Nanotechnology, Biofilm Targeting, and Precision Drug Delivery

Abstract

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a common and challenging mucosal fungal infection that affects millions of women worldwide and substantially impairs quality of life. Despite the widespread availability of antifungal agents such as azoles and polyenes, recurrence remains common due to persistent Candida biofilms, emerging antifungal resistance, poor adherence to prolonged treatment regimens, and failure to restore the normal vaginal microbiota. Conventional vaginal creams, suppositories, and oral therapies often provide temporary symptom relief but rarely address the underlying mechanisms responsible for disease recurrence. Dissolvable vaginal tablets have emerged as an attractive local drug delivery platform because they offer accurate dosing, improved stability, enhanced patient convenience, prolonged mucosal residence, and reduced systemic drug exposure. Recent advances in pharmaceutical formulation have further expanded their therapeutic potential by incorporating nanotechnology-based carriers, biofilm-disrupting compounds, mucoadhesive polymers, and controlled-release systems that enhance antifungal penetration and improve local drug bioavailability. This structured literature review examines the evolving role of next-generation dissolvable vaginal tablets in the prevention and treatment of RVVC, with particular emphasis on nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery, strategies targeting Candida biofilms, and precision medicine approaches designed to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Published evidence from major biomedical databases was critically evaluated to summarize advances in formulation technologies, preclinical investigations, and emerging clinical applications. Current findings indicate that multifunctional vaginal tablet systems integrating antifungal agents with biofilm inhibitors, probiotics, immunomodulatory compounds, or responsive biomaterials may offer superior control of recurrent infection compared with conventional therapies. Although several promising technologies remain at the experimental stage, continued progress in pharmaceutical engineering and translational research is expected to accelerate their clinical development. Next-generation dissolvable vaginal tablets therefore represent a promising therapeutic strategy for improving local antifungal efficacy, reducing recurrence, enhancing patient adherence, and advancing precision gynecological drug delivery.