Pulmonary drug delivery: physiologic and mechanistic aspects

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Peptide and protein drugs are crucial therapeutics, but oral delivery is hindered by presystemic elimination.
• Parenteral administration remains the primary route, limiting patient compliance and convenience.
• Alternative non-oral routes are being explored for effective macromolecule systemic delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential of the pulmonary route for systemic delivery of peptide and protein drugs.
• To discuss the anatomical and physiological factors influencing pulmonary drug absorption.
• To examine current methodologies and recent advancements in pulmonary drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on pulmonary drug delivery systems and mechanisms.
• Analysis of the human respiratory system's structure and physiology relevant to drug absorption.
• Case studies illustrating progress in pulmonary delivery of therapeutic peptides and proteins.

Main Results:

• The lung offers a large, thin mucosal membrane ideal for drug absorption.
• Pulmonary drug delivery is challenged by respiratory system complexity and respiration's influence on deposition.
• Significant progress has been made, particularly for smaller peptides, with promising future potential.

Conclusions:

• The pulmonary route presents a viable non-invasive strategy for systemic peptide and protein drug delivery.
• Understanding respiratory system dynamics is key to optimizing drug deposition and absorption.
• Continued research into pulmonary drug delivery holds significant therapeutic promise.