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A Historical Review of Brain Drug Delivery
1Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Pharmaceutics
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Brain drug delivery faces challenges due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Numerous technologies have emerged to overcome BBB restrictions, improving central nervous system (CNS) drug transport.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts the entry of most drugs into the central nervous system (CNS).
- Historically, only lipid-soluble small molecules have been approved for CNS treatment due to BBB limitations.
- Understanding BBB transport mechanisms (carrier-mediated and receptor-mediated) was crucial for developing new delivery strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical overview of brain drug delivery.
- To critically review various technologies developed to overcome BBB restrictions.
- To analyze the advantages and limitations of emerging brain drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of scientific literature and drug development.
- Analysis of established and emerging brain drug delivery technologies.
- Critical evaluation of the efficacy and challenges of each delivery method.
Main Results:
- The BBB was identified in 1914, limiting early CNS drug development.
- Re-engineering drugs for endogenous transport systems enhanced brain penetration.
- Numerous delivery technologies, including nanoparticles, gene therapy, and biologics, have been developed since the 1990s.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming BBB limitations is essential for effective CNS drug delivery.
- A diverse array of technologies now exists to facilitate brain drug transport.
- Each technology presents unique advantages and challenges requiring careful consideration for therapeutic application.
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