Download the Q&A
This article is a conversation with Dr. Julie Suman on the topic of Nasal Drug Delivery. It explores the current trends, technical challenges, and opportunities for therapeutic innovation in this field. The discussion begins with the recent success of delivering emergency medicines via the nasal route, such as naloxone for opioid overdose, midazolam for seizure sufferers, and glucagon for severe hypoglycemia. These nasal spray versions provide rapid onset and can be administered by those without the training required to use an injectable device.
The article also discusses the potential of nasal vaccines to limit viral shedding and for prophylactic nasal treatments in the context of COVID-19. It highlights that nasal drug delivery holds promise for bypassing the Brain Blood Barrier (BBB) and, by extension, for the treatment of illnesses associated with the CNS that are poorly served by current therapeutics.
The conversation then moves to the choice of nasal drug delivery devices and the factors influencing this choice. It also explains how properties of the formulation are controlled to achieve desirable performance. The article further discusses the implications of the device-formulation nature of nasal drug products for regulation.
The environmental impact of nasal drug products and specific issues associated with toxicity are also addressed. The article concludes with a discussion on how the industry can maximize the use of nasal drug delivery and the challenges that need to be solved to unlock its full potential.
