Inhalation delivery provides an effective route for high molecular weight drugs and peptides to reach the CNS. This route has been successfully used to deliver peptides for therapeutic applications such as the treatment of migraines, seizures and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This article discusses advances in nasal inhalation delivery technology for peptides for brain delivery, including liquid formulations and dry powder inhalers.
Liquid formulations are the most common delivery forms of peptides. In general, these are aqueous solutions or suspensions with excipients (e.g., preservatives, buffering agents, viscosity modifiers, emulsifiers), filled in non-pressurized dispensers that deliver a spray containing a metered dose of the drug. The dose can be metered by the dispenser or may have been pre-metered during manufacturing. The excipients must be selected to maintain stability and ensure that the drug is delivered in the correct dosage for nasal administration [24].
A recent study found that a nasal spray of the peptide A1 receptor agonist (A1R-CT) significantly reduced the number of seizures in people with epilepsy. The peptide works by interfering with the protein neurabin, which controls the A1 receptor’s hyperactivity and prevents seizure overexcitability. This resulted in a significant reduction in seizure frequency, from around 300 per day to 50 per month, and in the length of each seizure.
Another study found that a peptide intranasally administered to the nose, oxytocin (OT), improved emotion recognition in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This is the first evidence that OT can improve social interaction and emotional regulation in these patients. The researchers compared the effects of a single nasal inhalation of a recombinant OT solution to a placebo, and found that nasal administration significantly increased OT levels in both CSF and blood in 80 minutes.
Other studies show that nasal inhalation of peptides can reduce inflammation, pain and improve sleep quality in the elderly. For example, BPC-157, a peptide that has been shown to reduce inflammation, has been found to be effective for reducing the severity of knee osteoarthritis. It was also found to be more effective than the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen when it came to pain relief and improving sleep quality in older adults. However, it is important to note that peptides like Selank should only be used under the supervision and guidance of a trained health professional. Each person is unique and may require different dosages and protocols for the best results. Inhalation delivery of peptides can be particularly helpful for many individuals because it is so easy to use and does not require the use of specialized equipment. In this way, it is a great alternative to traditional medication. As such, peptides are becoming an increasingly popular choice for treating conditions that can be effectively treated using intranasal delivery techniques. In the future, it is likely that this form of medication will be even more popular than it is now. This will be especially true as the benefits of peptides become more widely known. peptide nasal sprays