Abstract
Inhaled dry powder formulations of antiviral agents represent a novel and potentially transformative approach to managing respiratory viral infections. Traditional antiviral therapies in the form of tablets or capsules often face limitations in terms of therapeutic activity, systemic side effects, and delayed onset of action. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) provide a targeted delivery system, ensuring the direct administration of antivirals to the infection site, the respiratory tract, which potentially enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize systemic exposure. This review explores the current state of inhaled dry powder antiviral agents, their advantages over traditional routes, and specific formulations under development. We discuss the benefits of targeted delivery, such as improved drug deposition in the lungs and reduced side effects, alongside considerations related to the formulation preparation. In addition, we summarize the developed (published and marketed) inhaled dry powders of antiviral agents.
1. Introduction
Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) have a remarkable impact on global health, which can be easily observed through the outbreaks of different epidemics and pandemics [1]. In addition, RVIs affect a large number of patients each year [2]. RVIs can be either contagious or non-contagious. Vaccines are the preferred treatment approach in combating contagious RVIs; however, their development and distribution is a long, complex process [3]. This can be further delayed or failed through antigenic drift resulting from mutations [4]. Again, vaccine effectiveness may diminish over time and varies among different variants of the respective RVIs [5,6]. In addition to this, many people have vaccine hesitancy, which was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic [7,8]. So, besides vaccines, small molecules can play a significant role as a main or adjunct therapy. Small molecules can be the principal treatment approach for non-contagious RVIs. For the effective treatment of any disease, delivering rightly chosen drugs through an appropriate route is a prerequisite [9]. Suboptimal drug concentrations at the site of infection due to improper dosing and route can lead to less effective outcomes and drug resistance [10]. The inhalation delivery of drugs has been a significant route of administration for the treatment of respiratory disorders [11,12]. Since RVIs primarily affect the respiratory tract, delivering antivirals directly to the infection site is the most logical approach, ensuring effective drug concentration with a low dose, minimal side effects, and bypassing first-pass metabolism. Studies on animal models have also showed that the inhaled delivery of drugs is more effective compared to conventional oral or injectable dosage forms for respiratory diseases [13]. However, it is crucial to use the appropriate device to effectively deliver these drugs to the site of infection for optimal therapeutic effect. Numerous devices have been developed over time to deliver drugs to the respiratory tract/lung. The widely used devices for inhalation are dry powder inhalers (DPIs), pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), and nebulizers [14]. Each device has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The key features of these delivery devices are mentioned in Table 1. The selection of the device depends on various factors like dosage requirements, ease of use, product stability, and safety considerations [15]. Usually, a high dose is required to treat RVIs [16]. Researchers have reported different thresholds for addressing a high dosage in terms of powder inhalation, which are ≥5 mg, >2 mg, and >1 mg [17,18]. However, it is important to realize that these high doses for inhalation are much lower than those used in oral dosage forms. If we compare the existing delivery devices for inhalation, delivering a high dose of medication into the lungs using a metered dose inhaler can be challenging. The delivery efficiency of pMDIs is not satisfactory. DPIs and nebulizers can both deliver high doses of antimicrobial agents [19]. However, nebulizers have certain limitations, including a high administration time, poor delivery efficiency, and special set up requirements [19]. Additionally, nebulizer formulations are mainly liquid-based, for which they are less stable. Moreover, the treatment of contagious respiratory pathogens using nebulizers requires specific facilities. In contrast, DPIs offer greater stability and can effectively deliver poor water-soluble drugs. Furthermore, the risk of viral transmission is higher with nebulizers but lower with DPIs [19]. These advantages make DPIs an ideal dosage form for the treatment of RVIs. In this review article, we discuss the factors affecting a successful DPI formulation and currently developed and marketed DPIs for RVIs. Then, we discuss the untapped combinations of inhaled dry powder that needs to be explored by researchers. This review provides both academics and the pharmaceutical industry with an updated overview of the developed inhalable dry powders of antiviral agents, which will be required to combat different respiratory viral pathogens efficiently.
Table 1.
Simple comparison between dry powder inhaler, pressurized metered-dose inhaler, and nebulizer.
2. A Brief Description of Common Respiratory Viral Pathogens
Respiratory viral pathogens are a diverse group of viruses responsible for infections in the respiratory tract, ranging from mild illnesses to severe diseases. These viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact, and occasionally via aerosols, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. They target the respiratory epithelium, leading to inflammation and a cascade of immune responses, which vary based on the virus and the host’s immune status. The following sections provide a brief overview of the most prevalent respiratory viral pathogens.
2.1. Influenza Virus
Influenza viruses, belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family, are enveloped viruses with segmented, negative-sense single-stranded RNA genomes. Among the four genera of this family—types A, B, C, and D—only types A and B are clinically significant in humans [20]. Influenza A, in particular, is a highly pathogenic virus, recognized as a leading viral cause of death in the industrialized world, accounting for approximately 20,000 deaths annually in the United States [21,22]. The pathogenicity and cell tropism of influenza viruses are partly determined by the cleavability of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein by host enzymes [23]. HA initiates infection by binding to receptors on host cells. The virus also undergoes antigenic shift and drift, allowing it to evade host immunity [24]. Influenza is a major public health concern, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, where it typically occurs between December and April [25]. High-risk groups include older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic diseases affecting the renal, cardiac, and respiratory systems. Symptoms of influenza include the sudden onset of fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue, cough, and generalized weakness, which can last up to two weeks. Complications from influenza can include secondary bacterial pneumonia, post-influenza encephalitis, cardiac arrhythmias, and secondary bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus-induced myositis [26,27].
2.2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is part of the Paramyxoviridae family, under the Pneumoviridae subfamily [28]. It has a lipid envelope and a single-stranded negative RNA genome. As its name suggests, RSV primarily replicates in the ciliated epithelial cells of the respiratory tract [29]. RSV is categorized into two subgroups, A and B, which are differentiated based on how their two major surface proteins respond to monoclonal antibodies. The G protein aids in viral attachment to host airway-ciliated cells, while the F protein facilitates fusion between the virion and host cell [30]. Once fusion occurs, the virion releases its nucleocapsid into the host cytoplasm, allowing the RNA to enter the cell. The M protein coordinates the assembly of envelope proteins with nucleocapsid proteins (N, P, and M2-1) and assists in budding immature virions from the host cell membrane [31,32]. RSV continues to be a widespread and recurring infectious disease. Infants are at the highest risk of severe RSV infection [33], while older adults are the second-highest risk group, contributing significantly to the RSV disease burden [34]. In most individuals, RSV manifests as common cold-like symptoms, but in vulnerable children, it can progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, leading to increased morbidity or even mortality [35]. In adults, RSV infections are typically re-infections that range from mild to moderate in severity. However, certain high-risk populations, such as frail elderly individuals living at home or in long-term care facilities, those with chronic pulmonary diseases, and the severely immunocompromised, are at risk for severe disease [36].
2.3. SARS-CoV-2
Coronaviruses (CoVs) have triggered three major outbreaks in the last 20 years: severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS), and, more recently, COVID-19 [37]. Since 2019, approximately 35 million people have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, resulting in over 1 million deaths across 235 countries, regions, or territories [38]. CoVs, part of the Coronaviridae family, are enveloped viruses with positive-sense single-stranded RNA genomes, classified under the Betacoronavirus genus, group 2 [39]. The spike protein facilitates binding to the ACE2 receptor, and four structural proteins are involved in the virus’s entry into host cells. Once inside, the viral RNA is reorganized and replicated in the endoplasmic reticulum [40,41]. The assembly of mature SARS-CoV-2 virions occurs in the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), with recent evidence indicating that newly formed virions are transported to the cell surface via lysosome trafficking [42,43]. Infected adults most commonly experience fever and cough [44]. Children, when symptomatic, tend to exhibit fewer symptoms than adults [45]. Over 100 symptoms have been reported in individuals with post-COVID conditions, with the most common including fatigue, memory issues, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety, loss of smell, sleep disturbances, and joint pain. Tachycardia is a less frequently observed symptom [46,47].
2.4. Rhinovirus
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the primary cause of the common cold and are the second most common virus involved in bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children. HRV-induced bronchiolitis is linked to a higher risk of recurrent wheezing or asthma [48,49]. HRV belongs to the Picornaviridae family, which includes nine genera, six of which are pathogenic to humans: enterovirus, rhinovirus, hepatovirus, parechovirus, cardiovirus, and kobuvirus. HRV is further divided into three species: HRV-A, HRV-B, and HRV-C [50]. These non-enveloped viruses are approximately 30 nm in size, with a positive single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome of 7200 base pairs. The genome consists of a single gene encoding 11 proteins, including four capsid proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4) that protect the ssRNA genome. VP1, VP2, and VP3 contribute to the virus’s antigenic diversity, while VP4 helps anchor the ssRNA to the capsid [51]. HRVs utilize the ICAM-1, LDLR, or CDHR3 receptors for entry into host cells. Structural proteins VP1 and VP3 interact with VP0 precursors to form protomers, which then assemble into pentamers and complete the capsid. The VP0 precursor remains unprocessed until virus assembly, and the final autocatalytic cleavage, known as “maturation cleavage”, occurs during this process. Progeny viruses are released through the lysis of the host cell’s plasma membrane [52,53]. Clinical presentations of rhinovirus infection in otherwise healthy individuals can range from asymptomatic cases to the common cold, wheezing, and pneumonia. Viral-bacterial interactions are often implicated in rhinovirus-associated conditions such as otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia. In immunocompromised individuals, rhinoviral infections can become chronic or life-threatening [54,55].
2.5. Adenovirus
Adenoviruses (AdVs) are non-enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that usually cause mild infections affecting the upper or lower respiratory tract, gastrointestinal (GI) system, or conjunctiva [56]. At present, around 110 types and genotypes of human adenoviruses (HAdVs) have been identified and are classified into seven species (A–G) [57]. AdVs utilize various receptors, attachment factors, and facilitators to aid in entry and infection, with receptors directly binding to the virion [58]. For example, AdV-C enters cells through dynamin-dependent endocytosis after receptor binding, while AdV-B can enter either through dynamin-dependent or independent endocytosis and penetrates into the cytosol from nonacidic early endosomes [59]. To access the cytoplasm, AdVs employ the amphipathic helix of the internal protein VI to break the endosomal membrane [60]. The virions stay in early endosomes for about 5–10 min before crossing the membrane, though there is significant variability between cells [61]. The viral DNA then separates from the capsid at the nuclear pore complex (NPC), releasing double-stranded DNA associated with hundreds of VII molecules. These VII molecules are critical for protecting the viral DNA from double-stranded break repair mechanisms [61,62].
Adenoviruses have a high transmission rate and are a common cause of respiratory illness in young children [63]. Additionally, extrapulmonary manifestations of adenovirus infections have been reported, including nephritis, cystitis, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, coagulopathies, and gastroenteritis [64,65,66]. Among immunocompromised patients, 80% experienced severe systemic symptoms such as malaise, lethargy, fatigue, night sweats, gastrointestinal symptoms, and respiratory complaints [67].
3. Considering Factors for a Successful Dry Powder Formulation Development
The successful development of a DPI depends on multiple factors and requires meticulous planning. As previously mentioned, respiratory viral infections (RVIs) often necessitate high doses of medication. Consequently, stable and highly aerosolizable dry powder formulations capable of delivering these high doses are crucial for effective treatment. Various methodologies, including milling, crystallization, spray-drying, and spray-freeze drying, have been explored for the development of DPIs [68,69]
Milling involves the physical breakdown of larger particles into smaller ones. Two widely used methods are ball milling and jet milling. In ball milling, particles are broken down mechanically through the motion of one or more balls, a process that can occur with or without a liquid medium. Jet milling, on the other hand, accelerates particles at high velocities, causing collisions that reduce particle size [70,71]
Crystallization focuses on forming crystals, primarily from a solution. This process can be achieved through techniques such as cooling, evaporation, precipitation, or their combinations. The method is chosen based on the solute’s properties and the desired crystal characteristics [72].
Spray-drying is a one-step process in which a liquid feed is atomized into fine droplets and dried rapidly at high temperatures. The feed can be a solution, suspension, or emulsion. Common solvents used in spray-drying include acetone, chloroform, ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, and water. Solvent residues must adhere to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The resulting dry powder is collected from a cyclone separator, and spray-drying can operate in open or closed modes. Open mode, using air as the drying gas, is suitable for aqueous solvents, while closed mode, using nitrogen, is employed for organic solvents [73,74].
Spray–freeze-drying combines elements of spray-drying and freeze-drying to produce dry powders. The drug solution is atomized into small droplets, rapidly frozen using cryogenic fluids like liquid nitrogen, and subsequently lyophilized to remove ice and water. This process is particularly useful for heat-sensitive compounds [75].
Emerging methods such as thin-film freezing (TFF) offer promising advancements. In TFF, a drug and stabilizer solution is rapidly frozen on a cryogenically cooled surface, and the solvent is removed via sublimation in a freeze-dryer. This method produces powders with enhanced dispersibility and stability [76].
Each of these techniques has its own advantages and limitations (Figure 1). Process parameters must be carefully optimized to ensure successful DPI development. The selection of a suitable technique depends on the physicochemical properties of the drug and its intended pulmonary delivery application.
Figure 1.
Advantages, disadvantages, and key factors of different preparation techniques of inhalable dry powders.
The development techniques of DPIs may vary, but the formulation challenges and critical considerations remain consistent. Factors such as formulation characteristics, device design, and proper usage and storage must be taken into account (Figure 2). The primary objective of a DPI for RVIs is to deliver the maximum amount of antiviral agent(s) to the respiratory tract, particularly the deep lung region. This requires high aerosolization efficiency, which is influenced by several physicochemical properties, including particle size, shape, density, surface energy, moisture content, and particle interactions [77,78].
Figure 2.
Factors affecting the dry powder inhaler formulation.
For effective deposition in the small airways and alveolar regions, particles must have an aerodynamic diameter (dae) of 1–5 µm [79]. Particles larger than 5 µm typically settle in the upper airways, while those smaller than 1 µm are often exhaled [79]. The aerodynamic diameter depends on the particle size, density, and morphology, as shown in Equation (1) [79]:
where dae is the aerodynamic diameter, dv is the particle diameter, ρ is the particle density, and X is the dynamic shape factor.
dae = dv √(ρ/X)
The aerodynamic diameter increases with particle size if the density and shape factor remain constant. Studies have shown that porous particles with low density and a physical diameter exceeding 5 µm can efficiently reach the deep lung [80]. In terms of morphology, particles resembling pollen with petal-like surfaces demonstrate better deposition potential than those of the same aerodynamic size but different shapes [81]. Additionally, flake- and wrinkle-shaped particles undergo greater deagglomeration, enhancing aerosolization, while particles with low contact areas show reduced agglomeration [81].
Surface energy significantly impacts aerosolization properties, with lower surface energy enhancing aerosolization and higher surface energy promoting agglomeration [82]. Factors such as humidity, moisture, crystallinity, surface texture, and functional groups influence surface energy [82]. For instance, crystalline powders typically aerosolize better than amorphous powders due to their lower surface energy, which reduces particle interaction. However, higher moisture content in the formulation impairs aerosolization and affects drug deposition in the lungs [82]. Hygroscopic materials absorb environmental moisture, altering surface energy and particle interactions, which in turn affect flow properties.
Particle interactions, both cohesive and adhesive, also play a vital role in aerosolization [83]. These interactions are particularly critical for small particles (<10 µm), where gravitational forces are negligible. Various forces, including van der Waals, electrostatic, capillary, and mechanical interlocking, as well as particle morphology and characteristics, influence these interactions [83]. Higher electrostatic charges and van der Waals forces reduce aerosolization efficiency, causing deposition in the upper lungs. Capillary forces, more prominent in hydrophilic materials, further decrease aerosolization by forming solid bridges. Irregularly shaped particles with rough surfaces exhibit higher interactions due to mechanical interlocking, whereas smooth surface particles demonstrate reduced interactions [84].
Particle surface properties significantly influence aerosolization efficiency by affecting interparticle interactions, dispersion, and deposition. High surface energy and electrostatic forces can lead to particle aggregation, reducing aerosolization, while surface roughness and hydrophobicity enhance dispersibility.
The effectiveness of dry powder aerosolization also depends on selecting appropriate DPI devices [85]. Since DPIs are patient-driven, their resistance levels (low, medium, high) can impact the inspiratory flow rate (IFR) and, consequently, drug deposition in the lungs. For example, studies on healthy volunteers show lung deposition percentages for different commercial DPIs as follows: Novolizer (20–32%), Easyhaler (19%), Diskhaler (12%), and Turbuhaler (15–25%). However, achieving optimal flow rates may be challenging for patients with compromised lung function, necessitating careful consideration of these factors during DPI development.
The proper use and storage of DPIs are essential for achieving maximum therapeutic outcomes. Incorrect usage, such as improper dose metering, mouthpiece positioning, or failure to exhale before activation, significantly reduces therapeutic effectiveness. Studies reveal that nearly 50% of patients use DPIs incorrectly, underscoring the need for proper instructions and awareness to ensure optimal drug delivery [86].
6. Inhaled Combinational Formulations: An Area to Explore
The available marketed and published inhalable dry powders of antivirals mostly contain single agents, and the reported inhalable dry powders of combinational antivirals are very limited. However, for viral infections, drug combinations have been found to be more effective [103]. Wisely selected combinational drugs can offer various advantages over single agents. One primary benefit is the synergistic effect achieved when combining multiple antiviral agents, which can enhance therapeutic efficacy and improve patient outcomes [104]. Synergistic drug combinations enable the simultaneous targeting of multiple viral mechanisms, potentially leading to better viral inhibition than single-drug approaches [105]. A list of different antiviral combinations showing synergistic activity against different respiratory viruses is presented in Table 3.
Another significant advantage of combinational therapies is their role in reducing the risk of drug resistance [106]. Monotherapies can often lead to resistance as viruses mutate to evade single-agent mechanisms [106]. By attacking multiple viral pathways simultaneously, combinational therapies make it more challenging for viruses to develop resistance, as they would need to adapt to several mechanisms at once. This approach has been effectively demonstrated in HIV therapy, where combining antiviral agents has significantly reduced the development of resistant strains, and similar strategies are being explored for influenza and RSV [107]. RVIs often occur alongside secondary viral or bacterial infections, complicating treatment and leading to more severe clinical outcomes [108,109]. In cases of co-infection with respiratory viruses, a combination of antiviral agents allows for broad-spectrum treatment that can effectively target multiple pathogens simultaneously. For example, combining ribavirin with a broad-spectrum antiviral could be beneficial in patients co-infected with RSV and influenza, providing comprehensive antiviral coverage, potentially reducing the severity and duration of illness. Moreover, inhaled combinational therapies can improve patient compliance by simplifying treatment regimens, a crucial aspect for patients with chronic respiratory illnesses or those at risk for frequent infections. Instead of managing multiple oral or intravenous medications, patients can receive a single inhaled dose, which is often more convenient and less invasive. This convenience not only enhances adherence but also improves treatment efficacy by ensuring that patients consistently receive their full regimen, as has been observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with respiratory infections.
Table 3.
List of synergistic drug combinations tested against different respiratory viral pathogens.
Table 3.
List of synergistic drug combinations tested against different respiratory viral pathogens.
| Drug A | Mode of Action | Drug B | Mode of Action | Pathogens | Cell Line Used | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitazoxanide | Replication inhibitor | Oseltamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Influenza virus | MDCK cell line | [110] |
| Nitazoxanide | Replication inhibitor | Zanamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Influenza virus | MDCK cell line | [110] |
| Oseltamivir | RdRp inhibitor | Rimantadine | Viral replication | Influenza virus | MDCK cell line | [111] |
| Oseltamivir | RdRp inhibitor | Zanamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Influenza virus | MDCK cell line | [112] |
| Oseltamivir | Neuraminidase inhibitor | Favipiravir | RdRp inhibitor | Influenza virus | MDCK cell line | [113] |
| Remdesivir | RdRp inhibitor | Ebselen | Protease inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero cell line | [114] |
| Remdesivir | RdRp inhibitor | Disulfiram | Protease inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero cell line | [114] |
| Remdesivir | RdRp inhibitor | Ivermectin | Importin α/β1 inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | 264.7 murine macrophage cell line | [115] |
| Remdesivir | RdRp inhibitor | Nitazoxanide | Entry inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [116] |
| Nitazoxanide | Entry inhibitor | Umifenovir | Entry inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [116] |
| Nitazoxanide | Entry inhibitor | Emetine dihydrochloride hydrate | Replication inhibitor | SARS CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [116] |
| Nitazoxanide | Entry inhibitor | Amodiaquine | Entry inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [116] |
| Favipiravir | RdRp inhibitor | Ivermectin | Importin α/β1 inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [117] |
| Otamixaban | Entry inhibitor | Camostat | TMPRSS2 inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [118] |
| Otamixaban | Entry inhibitor | Nafamostat | TMPRSS2 inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [118] |
| Remdesivir | RdRp inhibitor | Brequinar | Replication inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [119] |
| Molnupiravir | RdRp inhibitor | Brequinar | Replication inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [119] |
| Cepharanthine | Entry inhibitor | Nelfinavir | Replication inhibitor | SARS-CoV-2 | Vero E6 cell line | [120] |
| Lumicitabine (ALS8176) | RdRp inhibitor | RSV604 | RdRp inhibitor | RSV | Hep-2 cells | [121] |
| Lumicitabine (ALS8176) | RdRp inhibitor | BMS433771 | Inhibits fusion protein | RSV | Hep-2 cells | [121] |
| Presatovir (GS5806) | Inhibits fusion protein | BMS433771 | Inhibits fusion protein | RSV | Hep-2 cells | [121] |
| Lumicitabine (ALS8176) | RdRp inhibitor | Ziresovir | Inhibits fusion protein | RSV | Hep-2 cells | [121] |
| Lumicitabine (ALS8176) | RdRp inhibitor | Presatovir (GS5806) | Inhibits fusion protein | RSV | Hep-2 cells | [121] |
| Glycyrrhizic acid | Inhibits entry | Ephedrine | Inhibits entry | RSV | A549 cells | [122] |
| Fluticasone propionate | Inhibits VEGF, FGF-2 production | Salmeterol | Inhibits VEGF, FGF-2 production | Rhinovirus | Bronchial epithelial cells | [123] |
| Rupintrivir | Inhibits replication by targeting 3C protease | Itraconazole | Targets oxysterol-binding protein and inhibits replication | Enterovirus 71 | RD cells | [124] |
| Rupintrivir | Inhibits replication by targeting 3C protease | Favipiravir | Inhibits replication targeting RNA polymerase | Enterovirus 71 | RD cells | [124] |
| Suramin | Prevents attaching to the host cell surface receptors | Favipiravir | Inhibits replication targeting RNA polymerase | Enterovirus 71 | RD cells | [124] |
| Rupintrivir | Inhibits replication by targeting 3C protease | Vemurafenib | Inhibits replication | Enterovirus 1 | A549 cells | [125] |
| Rupintrivir | Inhibits replication by targeting 3C protease | Pleconaril | Inhibits replication by binding to viral capsid | Enterovirus 1 | A549 cells | [125] |
| Pleconaril | Inhibits replication by binding to viral capsid | Vemurafenib | Inhibits replication | Enterovirus 1 | A549 cells | [125] |
| Rupintrivir | Inhibits replication by targeting 3C protease | Interferon | Inhibits replication | Enterovirus 71 | Vero cells | [126] |
| Ribavirin | RdRp inhibitor | Gemcitabine | Inhibits replication | Enterovirus 71 | Vero cells | [127] |
| Rupintrivir | Inhibits replication by targeting 3C protease | Cycloheximide | Inhibits replication | Enterovirus 71 | A549 cells | [125] |
7. Conclusions
Inhalable dry powders have emerged as a promising treatment approach for treating respiratory viral infections. DPIs offer targeted delivery, efficient drug distribution, ease of use, portability, and better product stability. However, the number of marketed DPIs for respiratory viral infections is very few. As a result, millions of people are dying each year to these respiratory diseases. To address this critical gap, researchers from pharmaceutical industries and academia should work collaboratively and intensively to bring promising dry powder formulations from the bench to the bedside. This will not only ensure enhanced patient compliance but also help us to fight against future viral epidemics or pandemics. Besides that, especial attention should be given to develop combinational inhalable dry powders that have additional advantages over single-agent inhalable dry powders. Inhaled combination dry powder formulations offer improved therapeutic efficacy by targeting multiple pathways simultaneously, enhancing drug synergy while reducing the required dose and potential side effects compared to single-drug inhalers. They also improve patient adherence by simplifying treatment regimens.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, methodology, data curation, and writing—original draft preparation—T.S. (Tushar Saha). Writing—original draft preparation and review and editing—Z.U.M. Writing—original draft preparation and review and editing—A.B. Writing—original draft preparation and review and editing—M.A.M. Writing—original draft preparation and review and editing—S.A. Review and editing—T.S. (Tamal Saha). All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest
Author Tushar Saha was employed by the company Mastaplex Ltd., The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
References
- Ong, C.W.M.; Migliori, G.B.; Raviglione, M.; MacGregor-Skinner, G.; Sotgiu, G.; Alffenaar, J.W.; Tiberi, S.; Adlhoch, C.; Alonzi, T.; Archuleta, S.; et al. Epidemic and pandemic viral infections: Impact on tuberculosis and the lung: A consensus by the World Association for Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders (WAidid), Global Tuberculosis Network (GTN), and members of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Study Group for Mycobacterial Infections (ESGMYC). Eur. Respir. J. 2020, 56, 2001727. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
- Caballero, M.T.; Bianchi, A.M.; Nuño, A.; Ferretti, A.J.P.; Polack, L.M.; Remondino, I.; Rodriguez, M.G.; Orizzonte, L.; Vallone, F.; Bergel, E.; et al. Mortality associated with acute respiratory infections among children at home. J. Infect. Dis. 2019, 219, 358–364. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Han, S. Clinical vaccine development. Clin. Exp. Vaccine Res. 2015, 4, 46–53. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Shyr, Z.A.; Cheng, Y.S.; Lo, D.C.; Zheng, W. Drug combination therapy for emerging viral diseases. Drug Discov. Today 2021, 26, 2367–2376. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Feikin, D.R.; Higdon, M.M.; Abu-Raddad, L.J.; Andrews, N.; Araos, R.; Goldberg, Y.; Groome, M.J.; Huppert, A.; O’Brien, K.L.; Smith, P.G.; et al. Duration of effectiveness of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease: Results of a systematic review and meta-regression. Lancet 2022, 399, 924–944. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Olliaro, P.; Torreele, E.; Vaillant, M. COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and effectiveness-the elephant (not) in the room. Lancet Microbe 2021, 2, e279–e280. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Nuwarda, R.F.; Ramzan, I.; Weekes, L.; Kayser, V. Vaccine hesitancy: Contemporary issues and historical background. Vaccines 2022, 10, 1595. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Pourrazavi, S.; Fathifar, Z.; Sharma, M.; Allahverdipour, H. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: A systematic review of cognitive determinants. Health Promot. Perspect. 2023, 13, 21–35. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Saha, T.; Quiñones-Mateu, M.E.; Das, S.C. Inhaled therapy for COVID-19: Considerations of drugs, formulations and devices. Int. J. Pharm. 2022, 624, 122042. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Martinez, M.N.; Papich, M.G.; Drusano, G.L. Dosing regimen matters: The importance of early intervention and rapid attainment of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2012, 56, 2795–2805. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Eedara, B.B.; Alabsi, W.; Encinas-Basurto, D.; Polt, R.; Ledford, J.G.; Mansour, H.M. Inhalation delivery for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 infection. Pharmaceutics 2021, 13, 1077. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Borghardt, J.M.; Kloft, C.; Sharma, A. Inhaled therapy in respiratory disease: The complex interplay of pulmonary kinetic processes. Can. Respir. J. 2018, 2018, 2732017. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Vermillion, M.S.; Murakami, E.; Ma, B.; Pitts, J.; Tomkinson, A.; Rautiola, D.; Babusis, D.; Irshad, H.; Seigel, D.; Kim, C.; et al. Inhaled remdesivir reduces viral burden in a nonhuman primate model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sci. Transl. Med. 2022, 14, eabl8282. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Brahim, M.; Verma, R.; Garcia-Contreras, L. Inhalation drug delivery devices: Technology update. Med. Devices (Auckl) 2015, 8, 131–139. [Google Scholar]
- Niven, R. Prospects and challenges: Inhalation delivery systems. Ther. Deliv. 2013, 4, 519–522. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Nainwal, N. Treatment of respiratory viral infections through inhalation therapeutics: Challenges and opportunities. Pulm. Pharmacol. Ther. 2022, 77, 102170. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Adhikari, B.R.; Dummer, J.; Gordon, K.C.; Das, S.C. An expert opinion on respiratory delivery of high-dose powders for lung infections. Expert Opin. Drug Deliv. 2022, 19, 795–813. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Sibum, I.; Hagedoorn, P.; de Boer, A.H.; Frijlink, H.W.; Grasmeijer, F. Challenges for pulmonary delivery of high powder doses. Int. J. Pharm. 2018, 548, 325–336. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ari, A. Practical strategies for a safe and effective delivery of aerosolized medications to patients with COVID-19. Respir. Med. 2020, 167, 105987. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Bountouri, M.; Ntafis, V.; Fragkiadaki, E.; Kanellos, T.; Xylouri, E. Phylogenetic analysis of the five internal genes and evolutionary pathways of the Greek H3N8 equine influenza virus. Nat. Sci. 2012, 4, 839–847. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yewdell, J.; García-Sastre, A. Influenza virus still surprises. Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 2002, 5, 414–418. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wright, K.E.; Wilson, G.A.; Novosad, D.; Dimock, C.; Tan, D.; Weber, J.M. Typing and subtyping of influenza viruses in clinical samples by PCR. J. Clin. Microbiol. 1995, 33, 1180–1184. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Cottey, R.; Rowe, C.A.; Bender, B.S. Influenza virus. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 2001, 42, 19.11.1–19.11.32. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Taubenberger, J.K.; Morens, D.M. The pathology of influenza virus infections. Annu. Rev. Pathol. Mech. Dis. 2008, 3, 499–522. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Van den Dool, C.; Hak, E.; Wallinga, J.; Van Loon, A.M.; Lammers, J.W.J.; Bonten, M.J.M. Symptoms of influenza virus infection in hospitalized patients. Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2008, 29, 314–319. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Banning, M. Influenza: Incidence, symptoms, and treatment. Br. J. Nurs. 2005, 14, 1192–1197. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Eccles, R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect. Dis. 2005, 5, 718–725. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Rohwedder, A.; Keminer, O.; Forster, J.; Schneider, K.; Schneider, E.; Werchau, H. Detection of respiratory syncytial virus RNA in blood of neonates by polymerase chain reaction. J. Med. Virol. 1998, 54, 320–327. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gardner, P.S.; McQuillin, J. Rapid Virus Diagnosis: Application Of immunofluorescence; Butterworth-Heinemann: Oxford, UK, 2014. [Google Scholar]
- Åkerlind, B.; Norrby, E.; Örvell, C.; Mufson, M.A. Respiratory syncytial virus: Heterogeneity of subgroup B strains. J. Gen. Virol. 1988, 69, 2145–2154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Mitra, R.; Baviskar, P.; Duncan-Decocq, R.R.; Patel, D.; Oomens, A.G. The human respiratory syncytial virus matrix protein is required for maturation of viral filaments. J. Virol. 2012, 86, 4432–4443. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jha, A.; Jarvis, H.; Fraser, C.; Openshaw, P. Respiratory syncytial virus. SARS MERS Other Viral Lung Infect. 2016. Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK442240/ (accessed on 14 January 2025).
- Li, Y.; Wang, X.; Blau, D.M.; Caballero, M.T.; Feikin, D.R.; Gill, C.J.; Nair, H. Global, regional, and national disease burden estimates of acute lower respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus in children younger than 5 years in 2019: A systematic analysis. Lancet 2022, 399, 2047–2064. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Savic, M.; Penders, Y.; Shi, T.; Branche, A.; Pirçon, J.Y. Respiratory syncytial virus disease burden in adults aged 60 years and older in high-income countries: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Influenza Other Respir. Viruses 2023, 17, e13031. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Polak, M.J. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Overview, treatment, and prevention strategies. Newborn Infant Nurs. Rev. 2004, 4, 15–23. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Walsh, E.E.; Falsey, A.R. Respiratory syncytial virus infection in adult populations. Infect. Disord.-Drug Targets 2012, 12, 98–102. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Harrison, A.G.; Lin, T.; Wang, P. Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and pathogenesis. Trends Immunol. 2020, 41, 1100–1115. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Baloch, S.; Baloch, M.A.; Zheng, T.; Pei, X. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Tohoku J. Exp. Med. 2020, 250, 271–278. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gorbalenya, A.; Baker, S.; Baric, R.S.; de Groot, R.; Drosten, C.; Gulyaeva, A.A.; Ziebuhr, J. The species severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus: Classifying 2019-nCoV and naming it SARS-CoV-2. Nat. Microbiol. 2020, 5, 536–544. [Google Scholar]
- Snijder, E.J.; Van Der Meer, Y.; Zevenhoven-Dobbe, J.; Onderwater, J.J.; Van Der Meulen, J.; Koerten, H.K.; Mommaas, A.M. Ultrastructure and origin of membrane vesicles associated with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus replication complex. J. Virol. 2006, 80, 5927–5940. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Cortese, M.; Lee, J.Y.; Cerikan, B.; Neufeldt, C.J.; Oorschot, V.M.; Köhrer, S.; Bartenschlager, R. Integrative imaging reveals SARS-CoV-2-induced reshaping of subcellular morphologies. Cell Host Microbe 2020, 28, 853–866. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ghosh, S.; Dellibovi-Ragheb, T.A.; Kerviel, A.; Pak, E.; Qiu, Q.; Fisher, M.; Altan-Bonnet, N. β-Coronaviruses use lysosomes for egress instead of the biosynthetic secretory pathway. Cell 2020, 183, 1520–1535. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Scherer, K.M.; Mascheroni, L.; Carnell, G.W.; Wunderlich, L.C.; Makarchuk, S.; Brockhoff, M.; Kaminski, C.F. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein adheres to replication organelles before viral assembly at the Golgi/ERGIC and lysosome-mediated egress. Sci. Adv. 2022, 8, eabl4895. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Grant, M.C.; Geoghegan, L.; Arbyn, M.; Mohammed, Z.; McGuinness, L.; Clarke, E.L.; Wade, R.G. The prevalence of symptoms in 24,410 adults infected by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19): A systematic review and meta-analysis of 148 studies from 9 countries. PLoS ONE 2020, 15, e0234765. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chung, E.; Chow, E.J.; Wilcox, N.C.; Burstein, R.; Brandstetter, E.; Han, P.D.; Chu, H.Y. Comparison of symptoms and RNA levels in children and adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community setting. JAMA Pediatr. 2021, 175, e212025. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Nasserie, T.; Hittle, M.; Goodman, S.N. Assessment of the frequency and variety of persistent symptoms among patients with COVID-19: A systematic review. JAMA Netw. Open 2021, 4, e2111417. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Scharf, R.E.; Anaya, J.M. Post-COVID syndrome in adults—An overview. Viruses 2023, 15, 675. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bizot, E.; Bousquet, A.; Charpié, M.; Coquelin, F.; Lefevre, S.; Le Lorier, J.; Basmaci, R. Rhinovirus: A narrative review on its genetic characteristics, pediatric clinical presentations, and pathogenesis. Front. Pediatr. 2021, 9, 643219. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Jacobs, S.E.; Lamson, D.M.; St. George, K.; Walsh, T.J. Human Rhinoviruses. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 2013, 26, 135–162. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Carstens, E.B. Ratification vote on taxonomic proposals to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (2009). Arch. Virol. 2010, 155, 133–146. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ledford, R.M.; Patel, N.R.; Demenczuk, T.M.; Watanyar, A.; Herbertz, T.; Collett, M.S. VP1 sequencing of all human rhinovirus serotypes: Insights into genus phylogeny and susceptibility to antiviral capsid-binding compounds. J. Virol. 2004, 78, 3663–3674. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ganjian, H.; Zietz, C.; Mechtcheriakova, D.; Blaas, D.; Fuchs, R. ICAM-1 binding rhinoviruses enter HeLa cells via multiple pathways and travel to distinct intracellular compartments for uncoating. Viruses 2017, 9, 68. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Esneau, C.; Bartlett, N.; Bochkov, Y.A. Rhinovirus structure, replication, and classification. In Rhinovirus Infections; Academic Press: Cambridge, MA, USA, 2019; pp. 1–23. [Google Scholar]
- Greenberg, S.B. Respiratory consequences of rhinovirus infection. Arch. Intern. Med. 2003, 163, 278–284. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Peltola, V.; Waris, M.; Österback, R.; Susi, P.; Hyypiä, T.; Ruuskanen, O. Clinical effects of rhinovirus infections. J. Clin. Virol. 2008, 43, 411–414. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Lynch, J.P.; Fishbein, M.; Echavarria, M. Adenovirus. Semin. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2011, 32, 494–511. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Greber, U.F. Adenoviruses–infection, pathogenesis and therapy. FEBS Lett. 2020, 594, 1818–1827. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lasswitz, L.; Chandra, N.; Arnberg, N.; Gerold, G. Glycomics and proteomics approaches to investigate early adenovirus–host cell interactions. J. Mol. Biol. 2018, 430, 1863–1882. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Fleischli, C.; Sirena, D.; Lesage, G.; Havenga, M.J.; Cattaneo, R. Species B adenovirus serotypes 3, 7, 11 and 35 share similar binding sites on the membrane cofactor protein CD46 receptor. J. Gen. Virol. 2007, 88, 2925–2934. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wodrich, H.; Henaff, D.; Jammart, B.; Segura-Morales, C.; Seelmeir, S. A capsid-encoded PPxY-motif facilitates adenovirus entry. PLoS Pathog. 2010, 6, e1000808. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Trotman, L.C.; Mosberger, N.; Fornerod, M.; Stidwill, R.P.; Greber, U.F. Import of adenovirus DNA involves the nuclear pore complex receptor CAN/Nup214 and histone H1. Nat. Cell Biol. 2001, 3, 1092–1100. [Google Scholar]
- Karen, K.A.; Hearing, P. Adenovirus core protein VII protects the viral genome from a DNA damage response at early times after infection. J. Virol. 2011, 85, 4135–4142. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Edwards, K.M.; Thompson, J.; Paolini, J.; Wright, P.F. Adenovirus infections in young children. Pediatrics 1985, 76, 420–424. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Mufson, M.A.; Zollar, L.M.; Mankad, V.N. Adenovirus infection in acute hemorrhagic cystitis: A study in 25 children. Am. J. Dis. Child. 1971, 121, 281–285. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Chou, S.M.; Roos, R.; Burrell, R.; Gutmann, L.; Harley, J.B. Subacute focal adenovirus encephalitis. J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 1973, 32, 34–50. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Henson, D.; Mufson, M.A. Myocarditis and pneumonitis with type 21 adenovirus infection: Association with fatal myocarditis and pneumonitis. Am. J. Dis. Child. 1971, 121, 334–336. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Zahradnik, J.M.; Spencer, M.J.; Porter, D.D. Adenovirus infection in the immunocompromised patient. Am. J. Med. 1980, 68, 725–732. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Chaurasiya, B.; Zhao, Y.Y. Dry Powder for Pulmonary Delivery: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutics 2020, 13, 31. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Abiona, O.; Wyatt, D.; Koner, J.; Mohammed, A. The Optimisation of Carrier Selection in Dry Powder Inhaler Formulation and the Role of Surface Energetics. Biomedicines 2022, 10, 2707. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chow, A.H.L.; Tong, H.H.Y.; Chattopadhyay, P.; Shekunov, B.Y. Particle Engineering for Pulmonary Drug Delivery. Pharm. Res. 2007, 24, 411–437. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Saleem, I.Y.; Smyth, H.D.C. Micronization of a Soft Material: Air-Jet and Micro-Ball Milling. AAPS PharmSciTech 2010, 11, 1642–1649. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Shetty, N.; Cipolla, D.; Park, H.; Zhou, Q.T. Physical stability of dry powder inhaler formulations. Expert Opin. Drug Deliv. 2020, 17, 77–96. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Patel, R.P. Spray drying technology: An overview. Indian J. Sci. Technol. 2009, 2, 44–47. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Patel, B.B.; Patel, J.K.; Chakraborty, S.; Shukla, D. Revealing facts behind spray dried solid dispersion technology used for solubility enhancement. Saudi Pharm. J. 2015, 23, 352–365. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Maa, Y.-F.; Prestrelski, S.J. Biopharmaceutical Powders Particle Formation and Formulation Considerations. Curr. Pharm. Biotechnol. 2000, 1, 283–302. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Pardeshi, S.R.; Kole, E.B.; Kapare, H.S.; Chandankar, S.M.; Shinde, P.J.; Boisa, G.S.; Salgaonkar, S.S.; Giram, P.S.; More, M.P.; Kolimi, P.; et al. Progress on Thin Film Freezing Technology for Dry Powder Inhalation Formulations. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 2632. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Dhoble, S.; Kapse, A.; Ghegade, V.; Chogale, M.; Ghodake, V.; Patravale, V.; Vora, L.K. Design, development, and technical considerations for dry powder inhaler devices. Drug Discov. Today 2024, 29, 103954. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Mehta, P. Dry Powder Inhalers: A Focus on Advancements in Novel Drug Delivery Systems. J. Drug Deliv. 2016, 2016, 8290963. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Heyder, J. Deposition of inhaled particles in the human respiratory tract and consequences for regional targeting in respiratory drug delivery. Proc. Am. Thorac. Soc. 2004, 1, 315–320. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Edwards, D.A.; Hanes, J.; Caponetti, G.; Hrkach, J.; Ben-Jebria, A.; Eskew, M.L.; Mintzes, J.; Deaver, D.; Lotan, N.; Langer, R. Large porous particles for pulmonary drug delivery. Science 1997, 276, 1868–1871. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Hassan, M.S.; Lau, R.W. Effect of particle shape on dry particle inhalation: Study of flowability, aerosolization, and deposition properties. AAPS PharmSciTech 2009, 10, 1252–1262. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Momin, M.A.M.; Tucker, I.G.; Das, S.C. High dose dry powder inhalers to overcome the challenges of tuberculosis treatment. Int. J. Pharm. 2018, 550, 398–417. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Young, P.M.; Price, R.; Tobyn, M.J.; Buttrum, M.; Dey, F. Effect of humidity on aerosolization of micronized drugs. Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm. 2003, 29, 959–966. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Vehring, R. Pharmaceutical particle engineering via spray drying. Pharm. Res. 2008, 25, 999–1022. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Thomas, M.; Williams, A.E. Are outcomes the same with all dry powder inhalers? Int. J. Clin. Pract. Suppl. 2005, 149, 33–35. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Molimard, M.; Raherison, C.; Lignot, S.; Depont, F.; Abouelfath, A.; Moore, N. Assessment of handling of inhaler devices in real life: An observational study in 3811 patients in primary care. J. Aerosol Med. 2003, 16, 249–254. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Singh, T.U.; Parida, S.; Lingaraju, M.C.; Kesavan, M.; Kumar, D.; Singh, R.K. Drug repurposing approach to fight COVID-19. Pharmacol. Rep. 2020, 72, 1479–1508. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hua, Y.; Dai, X.; Xu, Y.; Xing, G.; Liu, H.; Lu, T.; Chen, Y.; Zhang, Y. Drug repositioning: Progress and challenges in drug discovery for various diseases. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2022, 234, 114239. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Sahakijpijarn, S.; Moon, C.; Koleng, J.J.; Christensen, D.J.; Williams, R.O., III. Development of Remdesivir as a Dry Powder for Inhalation by Thin Film Freezing. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 1002. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Saha, T.; Sinha, S.; Harfoot, R.; Quiñones-Mateu, M.E.; Das, S.C. Inhalable dry powder containing remdesivir and disulfiram: Preparation and in vitro characterization. Int. J. Pharm. 2023, 645, 123411. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wong, S.N.; Weng, J.; Ip, I.; Chen, R.; Lakerveld, R.; Telford, R.; Blagden, N.; Scowen, I.J.; Chow, S.F. Rational development of a carrier-free dry powder inhalation formulation for respiratory viral infections via quality by design: A drug-drug cocrystal of favipiravir and theophylline. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 300. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zhang, S.; Yan, S.; Lu, K.; Qiu, S.; Chen, X.D.; Wu, W.D. Spray freeze dried niclosamide nanocrystals embedded dry powder for high dose pulmonary delivery. Powder Technol. 2023, 415, 118168. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Saha, T.; Sinha, S.; Harfoot, R.; Quiñones-Mateu, M.E.; Das, S.C. Manipulation of spray-drying conditions to develop an inhalable ivermectin dry powder. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 1432. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Panozzo, J.; Oh, D.Y.; Margo, K.; Morton, D.A.; Piedrafita, D.; Mosse, J.; Hurt, A.C. Evaluation of a dry powder delivery system for laninamivir in a ferret model of influenza infection. Antivir. Res. 2015, 120, 66–71. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Aziz, S.; Scherlieβ, R.; Steckel, H. Development of high dose oseltamivir phosphate dry powder for inhalation therapy in viral pneumonia. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 1154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Seow, H.C.; Liao, Q.; Lau, A.T.Y.; Leung, S.W.S.; Yuan, S.; Lam, J.K.W. Dual targeting powder formulation of antiviral agent for customizable nasal and lung deposition profile through single intranasal administration. Int. J. Pharm. 2022, 619, 121704. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Leung, S.S.Y.; Parumasivam, T.; Tang, P.; Chan, H.K. A proof-of-principle setup for delivery of Relenza® (Zanamivir) inhalation powder to intubated patients. J. Aerosol Med. Pulm. Drug Deliv. 2016, 30, 30–35. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Gaikwad, S.S.; Pathare, S.R.; More, M.A.; Waykhinde, N.A.; Laddha, U.D.; Salunkhe, K.S.; Kshirsagar, S.J.; Patil, S.S.; Ramteke, K.H. Dry powder inhaler with the technical and practical obstacles, and forthcoming platform strategies. J. Control Release 2023, 355, 292–311. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Muralidharan, P.; Hayes, D., Jr.; Mansour, H.M. Dry powder inhalers in COPD, lung inflammation and pulmonary infections. Expert Opin. Drug Deliv. 2015, 12, 947–962. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Laborda, P.; Wang, S.Y.; Voglmeir, J. Influenza neuraminidase inhibitors: Synthetic approaches, derivatives and biological activity. Molecules 2016, 21, 1513. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Feng, E.; Ye, D.; Li, J.; Zhang, D.; Wang, J.; Zhao, F.; Hilgenfeld, R.; Zheng, M.; Jiang, H.; Liu, H. Recent Advances in Neuraminidase Inhibitor Development as Anti-influenza Drugs. ChemMedChem 2012, 7, 1527–1536. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Tian, J.S.; Zhong, J.K.; Li, Y.S.; Ma, D.W. Organocatalytic and Scalable Synthesis of the Anti-Influenza Drugs Zanamivir, Laninamivir, and CS-8958. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 13885–13888. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- White, J.M.; Schiffer, J.T.; Bender Ignacio, R.A.; Xu, S.; Kainov, D.; Ianevski, A.; Aittokallio, T.; Frieman, M.; Olinger, G.G.; Polyak, S.J. Drug Combinations as a First Line of Defense against Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Viruses. mBio 2021, 12, e0334721. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Lehár, J.; Krueger, A.S.; Avery, W.; Heilbut, A.M.; Johansen, L.M.; Price, E.R.; Rickles, R.J.; Short, G.F., III; Staunton, J.E.; Jin, X.; et al. Synergistic Drug Combinations Tend to Improve Therapeutically Relevant Selectivity. Nat. Biotechnol. 2009, 27, 659–666. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Poduri, R.; Joshi, G.; Jagadeesh, G. Drugs Targeting Various Stages of the SARS-CoV-2 Life Cycle: Exploring Promising Drugs for the Treatment of COVID-19. Cell Signal. 2020, 74, 109721. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wagoner, J.; Herring, S.; Hsiang, T.Y.; Ianevski, A.; Biering, S.B.; Xu, S.; Hoffmann, M.; Pöhlmann, S.; Gale, M., Jr.; Aittokallio, T.; et al. Combinations of Host- and Virus-Targeting Antiviral Drugs Confer Synergistic Suppression of SARS-CoV-2. Microbiol. Spectr. 2022, 10, e0333122. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Dybul, M.; Fauci, A.S.; Bartlett, J.G.; Kaplan, J.E.; Pau, A.K. Guidelines for Using Antiretroviral Agents among HIV-Infected Adults and Adolescents. MMWR Recomm. Rep. 2002, 51, 1–55. [Google Scholar]
- Babawale, P.I.; Guerrero-Plata, A. Respiratory Viral Coinfections: Insights into Epidemiology, Immune Response, Pathology, and Clinical Outcomes. Pathogens 2024, 13, 316. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Georgakopoulou, V.E. Insights from Respiratory Virus Co-infections. World J. Virol. 2024, 13, 98600. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Belardo, G.; Cenciarelli, O.; La Frazia, S.; Rossignol, J.F.; Santoro, M.G. Synergistic Effect of Nitazoxanide with Neuraminidase Inhibitors against Influenza A Viruses in Vitro. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2015, 59, 1061–1069. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Galabov, A.S.; Simeonova, L.; Gegova, G. Rimantadine and Oseltamivir Demonstrate Synergistic Combination Effect in an Experimental Infection with Type A (H3N2) Influenza Virus in Mice. Antivir. Chem. Chemother. 2006, 17, 251–258. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- de Mello, C.P.P.; Drusano, G.L.; Adams, J.R.; Shudt, M.; Kulawy, R.; Brown, A.N. Oseltamivir-Zanamivir Combination Therapy Suppresses Drug-Resistant H1N1 Influenza A Viruses in the Hollow Fiber Infection Model (HFIM) System. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2018, 111, 443–449. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Sleeman, K.; Mishin, V.P.; Deyde, V.M.; Furuta, Y.; Klimov, A.I.; Gubareva, L.V. In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Favipiravir (T-705) against Drug-Resistant Influenza and 2009 A (H1N1) Viruses. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2010, 54, 2517–2524. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chen, T.; Fei, C.Y.; Chen, Y.P.; Sargsyan, K.; Chang, C.P.; Yuan, H.S.; Lim, C. Synergistic Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Replication Using Disulfiram/Ebselen and Remdesivir. ACS Pharmacol. Transl. Sci. 2021, 4, 898–907. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Tan, Y.L.; Tan, K.S.; Chu, J.J.H.; Chow, V.T. Combination Treatment with Remdesivir and Ivermectin Exerts Highly Synergistic and Potent Antiviral Activity against Murine Coronavirus Infection. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 2021, 11, 700502. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Bobrowski, T.; Chen, L.; Eastman, R.T.; Itkin, Z.; Shinn, P.; Chen, C.Z.; Guo, H.; Zheng, W.; Michael, S.; Simeonov, A.; et al. Synergistic and Antagonistic Drug Combinations against SARS-CoV-2. Mol. Ther. 2021, 29, 873–885. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jitobaom, K.; Boonarkart, C.; Manopwisedjaroen, S.; Punyadee, N.; Borwornpinyo, S.; Thitithanyanont, A.; Auewarakul, P. Synergistic anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of repurposed anti-parasitic drug combinations. BMC Pharmacol. Toxicol. 2022, 23, 41. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Hempel, T.; Elez, K.; Krüger, N.; Raich, L.; Shrimp, J.H.; Danov, O.; Noé, F. Synergistic inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry by otamixaban and covalent protease inhibitors: Pre-clinical assessment of pharmacological and molecular properties. Chem. Sci. 2021, 12, 12600–12609. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Schultz, D.C.; Johnson, R.M.; Ayyanathan, K.; Miller, J.; Whig, K.; Kamalia, B.; Cherry, S. Pyrimidine inhibitors synergize with nucleoside analogues to block SARS-CoV-2. Nature 2022, 604, 134–140. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ohashi, H.; Watashi, K.; Saso, W.; Shionoya, K.; Iwanami, S.; Hirokawa, T.; Shirai, T.; Kanaya, S.; Ito, Y.; Kim, K.S.; et al. Potential anti-COVID-19 agents, cepharanthine and nelfinavir, and their usage for combination treatment. iScience 2021, 24, 102367. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gao, Y.; Cao, J.; Xing, P.; Altmeyer, R.; Zhang, Y. Evaluation of small molecule combinations against respiratory syncytial virus in vitro. Molecules 2021, 26, 2607. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Song, D.; Lu, C.; Chang, C.; Ji, J.; Lin, L.; Liu, Y.; Chen, R. Natural binary herbal small molecules self-assembled nanogel for synergistic inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus. ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng. 2024, 10, 6648–6660. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Volonaki, E.; Psarras, S.; Xepapadaki, P.; Psomali, D.; Gourgiotis, D.; Papadopoulos, N.G. Synergistic effects of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol on inhibiting rhinovirus-induced epithelial production of remodelling-associated growth factors. Clin. Exp. Allergy 2006, 36, 1268–1273. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, Y.; Li, G.; Yuan, S.; Gao, Q.; Lan, K.; Altmeyer, R.; Zou, G. In vitro assessment of combinations of enterovirus inhibitors against enterovirus 71. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2016, 60, 5357–5367. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ianevski, A.; Zusinaite, E.; Tenson, T.; Oksenych, V.; Wang, W.; Afset, J.E.; Bjørås, M.; Kainov, D.E. Novel synergistic anti-enteroviral drug combinations. Viruses 2022, 14, 1866. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hung, H.C.; Wang, H.C.; Shih, S.R.; Teng, I.F.; Tseng, C.P.; Hsu, J.T.A. Synergistic inhibition of enterovirus 71 replication by interferon and rupintrivir. J. Infect. Dis. 2011, 203, 1784–1790. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Kang, H.; Kim, C.; Kim, D.E.; Song, J.H.; Choi, M.; Choi, K.; Cho, S. Synergistic antiviral activity of gemcitabine and ribavirin against enteroviruses. Antivir. Res. 2015, 124, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

