Nasal Inhalation Delivery – An Introduction Guide

The delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) via nasal inhalation is gaining significant attention from companies eager to harness the advantages of this delivery route. Nasal drug delivery can be categorized into three main targets:

1. Local Delivery: This involves administering drugs directly to the nasal membranes, which is particularly effective for vaccines, antivirals, and prophylactic treatments.
2. Systemic Delivery: This method focuses on the absorption of drugs into the bloodstream, providing rapid action while bypassing the first-pass metabolism that can diminish a drug's effectiveness.
3. Direct Delivery to the Brain: This approach transcends the blood-brain barrier, making it an ideal method for treating neurodegenerative and psychological disorders.

Traditionally, most nasally inhaled formulations have been developed for liquid devices, which can be either single-use or multi-use options. While liquid formulations remain the most common and widely utilized method for nasal drug delivery, there is a growing interest in exploring dry powder delivery options, particularly for specific classes of molecules. This shift reflects a recognition of the unique benefits that dry powder formulations can offer, including improved stability, extended shelf life, and the potential for higher drug loading. As companies continue to innovate in this area, the exploration of dry powder nasal delivery systems is likely to expand, paving the way for new therapeutic applications.