Oromucosal delivery of macromolecules: Challenges and recent developments to improve bioavailability

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Macromolecular drugs (proteins, peptides, antibodies, nucleic acids) offer therapeutic advantages but face delivery challenges.
• Parenteral administration of macromolecules is invasive and can compromise drug integrity.
• The oromucosal route (sublingual, buccal) presents an efficient alternative for macromolecule delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review challenges and advancements in oromucosal delivery of macromolecules.
• To highlight recent innovations, particularly hybrid nanosystems, for improved drug absorption and stability.
• To assess the potential of novel delivery strategies for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on conventional and advanced oromucosal delivery systems for macromolecules.
• Analysis of strategies including chemical penetration enhancers, enzyme inhibitors, drug modification, and mucoadhesive materials.
• Evaluation of hybrid nanosystems as a next-generation delivery platform.

Main Results:

• Conventional methods like chemical enhancers and mucoadhesives improve oromucosal absorption but have limitations.
• Hybrid nanosystems demonstrate potential for enhanced macromolecule absorption and bioavailability.
• These systems offer improved thermostability, self-administration, and patient compliance.

Conclusions:

• Hybrid nanosystems represent a promising advancement for oromucosal macromolecule delivery.
• Further clinical trials and safety profiling are needed to validate their therapeutic value.
• These systems could revolutionize the delivery of biologics via the oromucosal route.