Avoiding a Sticky Situation: Bypassing the Mucus Barrier for Improved Local Drug Delivery.

Avoiding a Sticky Situation: Bypassing the Mucus Barrier for Improved Local Drug Delivery.
Trends Mol Med. 2021 Jan 04;:
Authors: Zierden HC, Josyula A, Shapiro RL, Hsueh HT, Hanes J, Ensign LM
Abstract
The efficacy of drugs administered by traditional routes is limited by numerous biological barriers that preclude reaching the intended site of action. Further, full body systemic exposure leads to dose-limiting, off-target side effects. Topical formulations may provide more efficacious drug and nucleic acid delivery for diseases and conditions affecting mucosal tissues, but the mucus protecting our epithelial surfaces is a formidable barrier. Here, we describe recent advances in mucus-penetrating approaches for drug and nucleic acid delivery to the ocular surface, the female reproductive tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the airways.
PMID: 33414070 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Trends in Molecular Medicine - January 4, 2021 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Zierden HC, Josyula A, Shapiro RL, Hsueh HT, Hanes J, Ensign LM Tags: Trends Mol Med Source Type: research