Thursday, May 10, 2012

NASAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM-a prospective


We, humans have relatively simple noses as primary function is respiration (breathing). But, other animals, especially mammals have complex noses adapted for their primary function i.e., olfaction (smelling).

Human nasal cavity has large surface area and is highly vascularised. So, the drugs get absorbed through this rich network of blood vessels and enter directly into the blood stream. This means to say that, faster onset of action. Thus, nasal cavity can be exploited as a route of entry of drugs into the systemic circulation (blood) of the human body; mainly for those compounds, which cannot be given orally.

Nasal drug delivery system is a rapidly expanding field- a parallel expansion to biotechnology.This has caused significant increase in the production of therapeutic peptides and proteins,globally.

Liquids, powders and gels are being used to deliver drug via this route. It includes microspheres, liposomes and nanoparticles. Microsphere technology is a specialized system used for designing nasal products.This provides a prolonged contact of drug with the nasal mucosal layer and thus enhances absorption and bioavailability.

Some compounds like Fusidic acid derivatives are used in the studies of absorption of insulin,growth hormones etc. which is under ‘clinical trials’ phase.
Drugs which are given during allergic rhinitis,nasal congestion,infections account for over 75% of current nasal drug delivery market($3000 million/annum).Systemically-acting drugs,about 30%.Intranasal delivery is employed lately for the treatment of acute pain relief,vit-B12 deficiency, migraine,smoking cessation, etc.

  The intranasal route, in other words can become a promising alternative to the intravenous route(injectables) in the coming days.Thus there’ll be a development of safe and efficacious formulations for  simple, painless and long-term therapies.



An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.
H. L. Mencken



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