Inhalable Nanomedicines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Recent Developments and Translational Barriers

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that poses major challenges in therapeutic management, primarily due to the limitations of conventional inhalation methods in achieving optimal drug deposition and maintaining therapeutic effects over a long period. Inhalable nanomedicine has emerged as an alternative approach potentially utilizing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to potentially enhance pulmonary drug delivery. These systems may improve drug distribution within the lungs and reduce systemic exposure. Various platforms, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN)/nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), and polymeric nanoparticles, have demonstrated encouraging results in preclinical studies. However, the current evidence remains largely limited to in vitro and animal models, and their clinical relevance in COPD patients is not yet fully established. In addition, several challenges persist, including formulation stability, long-term safety, and scalability for large-scale production. Overall, while inhalable nanomedicine represents a promising strategy for improving COPD management, further well-designed clinical studies and translational research are required to validate its safety, efficacy, and applicability in clinical practice.