Advances in Sub-Micron Particle Based Aerosol Strategies for Efficient Systemic Delivery of Therapeutic Agents

Background: Over the past few decades, the field of nanotechnology has led to significant advances in healthcare, impacting both diagnosis and therapy. Systemic delivery of therapeutics via inhalation route has also advanced with the use of sub micron particles as colloidal drug carriers. Use of inhalable nanocarriers for delivering drugs systemically offers additional degree of control and manipulation, thereby maximizing the alveolar deposition and minimizing clearance. The ramifications are improved systemic absorption and higher therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we review the progress and advances related to nanoparticle based inhalable formulations for systemic delivery of therapeutics, and also discusses the associated challenges. Methods: We performed detailed searches in PubMed and compiled the literature on inhalable nanoparticles for systemic delivery of therapeutic agents. Results: To date, multiple inhalable nanocarriers have been explored for systemic delivery of therapeutics; and can be broadly classified into three categories, viz. lipid based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles and porous nanoparticle aggregate particles. Conclusion: In spite of the promising data, there are still multiple challenges, including poor understanding of nanotoxicology of therapeutic nanoparticles. Overcoming these challenges can lead to successful clinical translation of inhalable nanoparticles for systemic drug delivery, leading to the development of more effective and patient compliant therapies.