Polymer conjugates for drug targeting. From inspired to inspiration!

This special issue of the Journal of Drug Targeting is marking the past, and continuing contribution of Helmut Ringsdorf. Having witnessed for more than 30 years Helmut’s never ending enthusiasm, persistence in many different interdisciplinary arenas, and immense scientific contribution, it was a pleasure for me to edit this special issue which underlines his achievements in the context of the Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2006. With these few words I wish to applaud Helmut’s contribution, and briefly give some background to the important and interesting papers relating to polymer therapeutics contained herein. I would also like to send special thanks to all who have contributed, and to acknowledge that many of the authors are Helmut’s collaborators (of different generations) and friends. To the enthusiast and those new to the field of polymer therapeutics (now nanomedicines using modern jargon), you will read of new and exciting topics that illustrate the importance of research at the interface of polymer science, cell biology and drug delivery. These papers represent “drug targeting research” at its best, and illustrate both the opportunities and ongoing debates and challenges in the field.