Background Currently, there is ongoing research in the pharmaceutical technology field to develop innovative drug delivery systems with improved therapeutic efficacy. Objectives Although there is a high need for new drug molecules, most scientists focus on the advancement of novel pharmaceutical formulations since the present excipients lack important properties such as low release rate leading to repeated dosing. Aside from this, pharmaceutical technologists aim to develop drug formulations that can target specific organs and tissues, lowering the possibility of adverse effects. Methods This review aims to cover the different polymer-based gel types, the development and characterization methods, as well as applications thereof. Finally, the recent advancements and future perspectives focusing on radiolabeled gels will be addressed. Results In the last decades, polymer based pharmaceutical gels have shown attractive properties and therefore have raised the attention of pharmaceutical scientists. Gels are either chemically or physically cross-linked networks that can absorb fluids such as water (hydrogels), oil (organogels) and even air(aerogels). A variety of polymers, either synthetic or natural, have been employed as components for the gels. Stimuli-responsive gels based on stimuli-sensitive polymers are among the most studied gel class of last years. Conclusion The use of polymer-based gels as drug delivery systems would be beneficial for targeting numerous diseases.