INTRANASAL DRUG DELIVERY FOR CNS DISORDER: FORMULATION AND TARGETING CHALLENGES

Pooja Nivrutti Lokhande*, Pradnya H. Ghadhire, Sanjay K. Bais

The strategy facilitates rapid drug onset, reduces systemic negative consequences, and enables transportation of molecules ranging from small lipophilic compounds to peptides and biologics. Clinically approved IN drugs for CNS indications include esketamine for treatment-resistant depression, midazolam and diazepam for seizure clusters, and zavegepant for acute migraine. Investigational programs, particularly intranasal insulin for Alzheimer’s disease, highlight the potential for neurodegenerative conditions. This review summarizes nasal anatomy, mechanisms of intranasal to CNS transport, physico-chemical properties, formulation, considerations, approved and investigational drugs, limitations, and future perspectives. Overall, Intranasal medication administration is increasingly recognized as an effective encouraging approach for treating central nervous system disorders.