Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Validation of Therapeutic Agent Conjugation to Polyvinyl Alcohol-Coated Medical Devices
Published on: November 29, 2024
Inhalable liposomal formulation for vasoactive intestinal peptide
Franz Hajos1, Brigitte Stark, Sigrid Hensler
1Medical University Vienna, Department of Internal Medicine-1, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
Nano-sized liposomes loaded with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) offer a promising approach for lung disease inhalation therapy. These VIP-loaded liposomes (VLL) provide a sustained release and extended therapeutic effect, overcoming peptide degradation challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Nanotechnology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) shows therapeutic potential for lung diseases like asthma and pulmonary hypertension.
- Limited medical use of peptides is due to rapid enzymatic degradation in airways, causing short half-lives.
- Unilamellar nano-sized VIP-loaded liposomes (VLL) were developed to address peptide instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the applicability of VIP-loaded liposomes (VLL) for inhalation therapy.
- To assess particle size, stability during nebulization, and VIP release kinetics.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and duration of action of inhaled VLL compared to free VIP.
Main Methods:
- Nebulization of VLL using a mouthpiece ventilation inhaler.
- Analysis of particle size distribution post-nebulization.
- Ex vivo vasorelaxation model to determine VIP release kinetics and pharmacological effect.
- Comparison of VLL with equimolar free VIP regarding response time and duration.
Main Results:
- Nebulization minimally affected VLL particle size, maintaining suitability for bronchiolar deposition.
- No VIP release was observed during the nebulization process.
- VLL demonstrated significantly retarded immediate response (p=0.001) but sustained VIP release and extended pharmacological effect compared to free VIP in a vasorelaxation model.
Conclusions:
- VIP-loaded liposomes (VLL) are suitable for inhalation, acting as a dispersible peptide depot in the bronchi.
- VLL improve VIP inhalation therapy by providing sustained release and prolonged therapeutic action.
- Cell exposure and ligand-receptor interactions may trigger VIP release from liposomes in target organs.
Related Concept Videos
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Drug Product Performance: In Vitro–In Vivo Correlation
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Stability Enhancement and GI Retention
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
