The Gateway Delivery To The Brain: Examining The Route, Rationale, And Realities Of Nasal Drug Delivery Therapies

By Justin Lygrisse, Director of Research & Development, Nasal, Kindeva

Advances in nose‑to‑brain delivery are reshaping how developers approach therapies for neurological and psychiatric conditions. By leveraging the nasal cavity’s unique neural pathways, drug developers can bypass the blood–brain barrier and achieve more direct, efficient access to the central nervous system. This strategy is gaining momentum as interest grows in non‑invasive routes that reduce systemic exposure and improve therapeutic precision — particularly for disorders where traditional delivery methods fall short.

Progress in formulation science, device engineering, and analytical modeling is accelerating the field, enabling more consistent deposition, enhanced permeation, and better prediction of clinical performance. At the same time, emerging challenges — such as limited nasal volume, mucociliary clearance, and evolving particulate and sterility expectations—require integrated development approaches that consider drug and device as a unified system. The expanding potential of biologics, nanoparticles, and targeted delivery tools points to a future in which treatments can reach specific neural circuits with unprecedented accuracy.

Teams exploring next‑generation CNS therapies will find valuable insight into the scientific, technical, and regulatory considerations shaping this rapidly advancing space.