Challenges and Therapeutic Approaches for the Protein Delivery System: A Review

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Proteins are vital biomolecules regulating numerous physiological functions, making them crucial therapeutic agents.
• Protein therapeutics represent a rapidly growing sector in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
• Effective delivery systems are essential for harnessing the full potential of protein-based drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental roles of proteins in the human body.
• To explore various administration routes for protein therapeutics, including traditional and alternative methods.
• To discuss the significant challenges and innovative strategies for overcoming biological barriers in protein delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of protein functions, drug delivery systems, and administration routes.
• Analysis of barriers encountered in protein drug delivery (enzymatic, epithelial, endothelial, blood-brain barriers).
• Examination of strategies to overcome these barriers, including chemical modification and advanced technologies.

Main Results:

• Parenteral routes (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous) are common, but alternative routes (oral, nasal, transdermal) show promise.
• Biological barriers pose significant challenges to effective protein drug delivery.
• Chemical modifications, penetration enhancers, mucoadhesive polymers, Pegylation, and Depofoam technology are key strategies.

Conclusions:

• Protein delivery systems are crucial for advancing therapeutic applications of proteins.
• Overcoming biological barriers is paramount for successful protein drug formulation and administration.
• Emerging technologies like Pegylation and Depofoam significantly enhance protein delivery efficacy.