Massive Volume of Out-of-Scope Publications in the International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
A recent investigation reveals that the International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology (ISSN: 0975-4415) has seen a several-dozen-fold increase in publication volume in 2026. From 2022 to 2025, the journal averaged about 300 articles per year; in 2026 alone, however, it has already published roughly 11,000 articles. About 88% of these appeared in special issues released between March and October 2026.
Moreover, about 62% of the journal's 2026 articles fall outside its scope. Broken down by issue type, 55% of articles in regular issues and 63% of those in special issues are out of scope.
Indian authors account for most of the journal's output: 88% of its articles have an Indian first author, and the same is true for 85% of its out-of-scope articles.
Although the journal is indexed by Scopus, the high proportion of out-of-scope articles raises concerns about unethical editorial practices. Amit Bhatia, affiliated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, is listed as Editor-in-Chief.
The 5GH Team notes that Bhatia's affiliation was removed from the journal's website sometime after March 1. It also notes that monthly publication volume rose from 241 in February to 2,347 in March. It remains unclear whether Amit Bhatia still oversees the editorial board.