Improvements in molecular biology methods and a better understanding of cancer pathway have helped bring in a number of drugs that target specific cancer related pathways and have a specific targeted mode of action. 

Drugs conjugated to a polymer backbone at one end and to another molecule, which targets a tumor specific ligand, are being developed. Targeting ligands on the surface of the carrier, molecules can bind to targets on endothelial cells and can be useful for anti-angiogenesis therapy. This is one of the alternative drug delivery technologies that is changing the way cancer treatment is being delivered.

MediVas, a San Diego-based biomedical company, has developed a technology for the delivery of biologics and drugs based on next generation set of polymers. These are biodegradable, biocompatible and bioabsorbable and allow greater control over the rate and duration of release of their therapeutic payload.

The technology can be used with a diverse group of drug candidates, from small molecule drugs to large molecules like proteins, peptides and nucleic acids.

In 2009, the Netherlands-based life science company, DSM, obtained an exclusive worldwide license for the technology.