Transungual delivery: deliberations and creeds

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomaterials and Drug Delivery

Background:

• Nail diseases, though often underestimated, are prevalent and significantly affect patients' quality of life.
• Current oral therapies for nail conditions pose risks of drug interactions and systemic side effects.
• There is a critical need for advanced topical treatments to enhance drug delivery to and through the nail apparatus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of human nail structure and compare it with animal hooves.
• To discuss the factors influencing nail permeability for topical drug delivery.
• To explore innovative strategies and formulations for improved transungual drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on nail anatomy, physiology, and permeability.
• Analysis of factors affecting drug permeation, including molecular size, hydrophilicity, and charge.
• Examination of various formulation strategies and delivery systems for transungual administration.

Main Results:

• The human nail plate presents a significant barrier to topical drug penetration.
• Key factors influencing drug permeation include permeant properties and vehicle characteristics.
• Novel approaches like chemical enhancers, advanced formulations (e.g., nail lacquers, colloidal carriers), and nail substitutes show promise for enhancing drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Improving topical nail disease treatment requires a deeper understanding of nail structure and permeability.
• Innovative formulation and delivery strategies are essential to overcome the nail barrier.
• Further research into transungual drug delivery systems can lead to more effective and safer treatments for nail disorders.