A promising strategy in the realm of pharmaceutical research is the creation and improvement of new drug delivery systems for targeted therapy. Targeted therapy tries to deliver therapeutic medicines to cells or tissues selectively, reducing systemic side effects and increasing treatment effectiveness. To improve the targeting capacities of drug delivery systems, several ways have been investigated. These include using ligands, antibodies, peptides, or nanoparticles to recognize and bind to target cells or tissues in a targeted manner. The development of nanoparticles with distinctive physicochemical properties that can more precisely and effectively encapsulate and distribute medicinal medicines to target areas is another result of breakthroughs in nanotechnology. The stability, drug loading capacity, release kinetics, and biocompatibility of drug delivery systems have all been improved with the help of optimization techniques. A controlled-release system that reacts to triggers, such as pH, temperature, or enzyme activity, has been developed because of the incorporation of smart materials, such as stimuli-responsive polymers and nanogels. These developments offer hope for the treatment of numerous illnesses, including as cancer, cardiovascular problems, and neurodegenerative issues, by improving medicine efficacy and reducing side effects. To transfer these novel techniques into practical applications and enhance patient outcomes, more study and cooperation amongst multidisciplinary teams are required.