Polymeric Excipients for Nasal Drug Delivery

This technical brief discusses the use of polymeric excipients in nasal formulations, focusing on their critical properties for drug delivery. It outlines the increasing interest in nasal drug delivery, particularly due to the rise in respiratory products and the need for non-invasive administration methods. The document evaluates three essential properties of nasal products: mucosal protective barrier functionality, mucoadhesion, and spray pattern. It presents case studies comparing Lubrizol excipients, such as Carbopol® polymers, with other common nasal excipients. The study details the effectiveness of these polymers in preventing pathogen adherence and proliferation, as well as their ability to enhance drug delivery through mucoadhesion. Additionally, it examines the spray pattern formation of polymer dispersions, demonstrating their potential advantages in achieving effective nasal coverage. The findings suggest that Carbopol® polymers and related excipients could be recommended for use in nasal sprays aimed at protecting the airway mucosa from pathogens.