Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Dry Powder and Nebulized Aerosol Inhalation of Pharmaceuticals Delivered to Mice Using a Nose-only Exposure System
Published on: April 6, 2017
Pharmacological Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Novel Landscape for Inhaled Agents
Vito D'Agnano1,2, Fabio Perrotta1,2, Ramona Fomez1,2
1Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of over 200 disorders that require individualized treatment. Antifibrotic agents, such as nintedanib and pirfenidone, have remarkably revolutionized the treatment landscape of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Moreover, the approval of nintedanib has also expanded the therapeutic options for patients with progressive pulmonary fibrosis other than IPF. However, despite recent advances, current therapeutic strategies based on antifibrotic agents and/or immunomodulation are associated with non-negligible side effects. Therefore, several studies have explored the inhalation route aiming to spread higher local concentrations while limiting systemic toxicity. In this review, we examined the currently available literature about preclinical and clinical studies testing the efficacy and safety of inhalation-based antifibrotics, immunomodulatory agents, antioxidants, mucolytics, bronchodilators, and vasodilator agents in ILDs.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Inhaled Medications
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...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...

