Lipid and Polymeric Carriers for Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the usage of the pulmonary system for localized as well as systemic delivery. This is particularly so for water-soluble drugs, which exhibit low bioavailability when administered through alternative routes. The pulmonary system offers a highly vascularized large surface area of circa 100 m² with a thin alveolar epithelium, facilitating rapid absorption. This is in addition to low enzymatic activity (both intra- and extracellular) in the system, which negates potential drug degradation. Following pulmonary administration, a relatively high extent of absorption can be achieved for drugs with associated low absorption rates. For localized treatment of pulmonary disease states, direct formulation deposition onto the lung epithelium facilitates rapid onset of action and requires lower doses. Furthermore, the non-invasive nature of this route enhances patient compliance.

In recent decades, nanocarriers are increasingly being used to deliver therapeutically active compounds into the pulmonary system in order to fulfill several requirements, including shielding drug degradation, drug loading ability, sustained release, biodegradation, and biocompatibility, as well as formulation stability during nebulization using various nebulizers. Various lipid-based formulations meet these requirements and have successfully delivered APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) into the pulmonary system. These include liposomes and proliposomes, transferosomes and protransferosomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers. Lipid nanoparticles are a promising research avenue for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs. Novel inhalation therapies have been introduced to treat pulmonary disorders, particularly asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancers.

Dr. Iftikhar Khan
Dr. Sakib Saleem Yousaf
Dr. Ruba Bnyan
Guest Editors

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