Skip to main content

Targeted Molecular Therapeutics for Pulmonary Diseases: Addressing the Need for Precise Drug Delivery

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Drug Delivery and Targeting

Part of the book series: Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology ((HEP,volume 284))

  • 145 Accesses

Abstract

Respiratory diseases are a major concern in public health, impacting a large population worldwide. Despite the availability of therapies that alleviate symptoms, selectively addressing the critical points of pathopathways remains a major challenge. Innovative formulations designed for reaching these targets within the airways, enhanced selectivity, and prolonged therapeutic effects offer promising solutions. To provide insights into the specific medical requirements of chronic respiratory diseases, the initial focus of this chapter is directed on lung physiology, emphasizing the significance of lung barriers. Current treatments involving small molecules and the potential of gene therapy are also discussed. Additionally, we will explore targeting approaches, with a particular emphasis on nanoparticles, comparing targeted and non-targeted formulations for pulmonary administration. Finally, the potential of inhaled sphingolipids in the context of respiratory diseases is briefly discussed, highlighting their promising prospects in the field.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

API:

Active pharmaceutical ingredient

CA-IX:

Carbonic anhydrase IX

CF:

Cystic fibrosis

COPD:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

DOTAP:

1,2-Dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane

DPPC:

Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine

DSPE:

1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylethanolamine

FA:

Folic acid

FR:

Folic acid receptor

KRAS:

Kirsten rat sarcoma

LNP:

Lipid nanoparticle

MCC:

Mucociliary clearance

MMAD:

Mass median aerodynamic diameter

NHS:

N-hydroxysuccinimide

PCLS:

Precision-cut lung slices

PEG:

Polyethylene glycol

PEI:

Polyethyleneimine

PLGA:

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)

SP:

Surfactant protein

Tf:

Human holo-transferrin

TSLP:

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin

VIPER:

Virus-inspired polymer for endosomal release

References

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Olivia M. Merkel .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Carneiro, S., Müller, J.T., Merkel, O.M. (2024). Targeted Molecular Therapeutics for Pulmonary Diseases: Addressing the Need for Precise Drug Delivery. In: Schäfer-Korting, M., Schubert, U.S. (eds) Drug Delivery and Targeting. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, vol 284. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/164_2023_703

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics