Editorial: Pulmonary drug delivery


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Ehrhardt C., Buttini F., Saleem I., Scherließ R., Yıldız Peköz A.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, cilt.205, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Editöre Mektup
  • Cilt numarası: 205
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106988
  • Dergi Adı: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Glieca et al. describe the development of a dry powder inhaler formulation of LCB1, an ACE2 decoy polypeptide that aims to neutralise SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs (Glieca et al., 2023). The researchers used spray drying with trehalose and l-leucine as excipients to produce LCB1 particles with an MMAD of 3.09 µm and FPF of 58.6 %. The significance of achieving peripheral lung deposition is highlighted, as it allows for localised neutralisation of the virus, potentially preventing its spread into the bloodstream and reducing the severity of lung damage.
Alhajj and colleagues focus on enhancing the pulmonary delivery of ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic, and quercetin, an antioxidant, by developing spray-dried formulations with improved dissolution and permeation properties (Alhajj et al. 2024). The study examines the impact of different mucoactive agents, such as mannitol, N-acetylcysteine, and ambroxol, on the physicochemical properties and aerosol performance of the formulations. The authors suggest that the optimised formulations may improve the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Bahlool and co-workers describe the development of all trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles using microfluidics for treating tuberculosis (Bahlool et al. 2024). The study demonstrates that these nanoparticles effectively inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth in alveolar epithelial cells in vitro. The researchers also evaluate the delivered dose of the nanoparticles using 3D-printed head models and simulating adult and paediatric breathing patterns. The authors propose that this inhalable ATRA formulation offers advantages over traditional oral administration for treating tuberculosis.
The article by Bender and colleagues focuses on the development and characterisation of curcumin-loaded tetraether lipid liposomes for pulmonary drug delivery and photodynamic therapy (Bender et al. 2024). The study demonstrates the stability of these liposomes during nebulisation using a vibrating mesh nebuliser. The authors assess the liposomes' biocompatibility and photodynamic efficacy in 2D and 3D cell culture models, as well as an in ovo model. The study suggests that these liposomes are a promising drug delivery system for targeted treatment of lung cancer.
Xia et al. investigated the pharmacokinetics of hydroxychloroquine in rat lungs after administration via different routes (oral, intratracheal, and nose-only inhalation) (Xia et al. 2024). The study compares the lung retention and systemic exposure of hydroxychloroquine delivered using various nebulisers and formulations (salt- and freebase-based). The authors highlight that understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of inhaled drugs in the lungs is crucial for optimising treatment efficacy and safety. Nose-only inhalation achieved higher and sustained lung concentrations compared to oral administration, demonstrating the potential of targeted pulmonary delivery.
The article by Gerde et al. explores a novel method for regional lung targeting using the PreciseInhale® system, which allows controlled delivery of aerosol boluses to specific lung regions using a breath-hold technique (Gerde et al. 2024). The study investigates the feasibility of this approach in healthy volunteers by administering a fluticasone/salmeterol aerosol. Aerosol puffs were extracted from a medical inhaler then subsequent delivery to volunteers. The authors found that the system delivered consistent doses with low variability, highlighting its potential for studying regional drug disposition and effects in the lungs. Regional targeting influenced the systemic appearance of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate differently.
Singh, in his publication, discusses the regulatory challenges and perspectives surrounding bioequivalence (BE) evaluation for orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs) (Singh 2024). The author highlights the limitations of traditional BE approaches based solely on systemic drug concentrations, particularly for locally acting drugs delivered via inhalation. The author advocates for alternative BE methods that consider local drug deposition and effects in the lungs to ensure therapeutic equivalence between generic and reference OIDPs. The article presents a comparative analysis of the BE requirements for OIDPs in the US and the EU, emphasising the differences in their approaches.
De Boer addresses the environmental impact of inhalers, specifically greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste (de Boer 2024). The author discusses various strategies for reducing this burden, such as replacing metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) with dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and exploring the use of bio-based and biodegradable plastics for inhaler construction. The article also underscores the importance of considering potential consequences of any modifications to inhaler design or prescription practices, such as impacts on disease control and patient satisfaction.