The pharmaceutical sciences have historically evolved through progressive refinement of drug molecules, dosage forms, and delivery systems. Despite remarkable advances in medicinal chemistry and biotechnology, conventional pharmaceutical formulations continue to face intrinsic limitations, including poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, non-specific distribution, systemic toxicity, and inadequate therapeutic index. These challenges have prompted the exploration of novel technological paradigms capable of transcending the constraints of traditional drug development.

Nanotechnology, defined as the science and engineering of materials at the nanoscale (typically 1–100 nm), has emerged as a disruptive force in pharmaceutical sciences. At this scale, materials exhibit unique physicochemical, biological, and pharmacokinetic properties that differ fundamentally from their bulk counterparts. These properties enable precise modulation of drug behavior within biological systems, thereby redefining the principles of formulation science, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic targeting.

Over the past two decades, nanotechnology has transitioned from a conceptual innovation to a clinically relevant discipline, giving rise to the field of nanomedicine. Several nano-based pharmaceutical products have received regulatory approval and entered routine clinical use, underscoring their translational potential. However, the significance of nanotechnology extends beyond specific formulations; it represents a systemic shift in how drugs are designed, delivered, evaluated, and regulated.

This review paper critically examines the significance of nanotechnology in pharmaceutical sciences, with emphasis on its scientific foundations, pharmaceutical applications, therapeutic advantages, and strategic implications. The paper also addresses emerging challenges and future directions, positioning nanotechnology as a cornerstone of next-generation pharmaceutical development.