Recent Advances in Inhaled Nanoformulations of Vaccines and Therapeutics Targeting Respiratory Viral Infections

Pharm Res. 2023 May;40(5):1015-1036. doi: 10.1007/s11095-023-03520-1. Epub 2023 Apr 25.

Abstract

With the rapid outbreak of respiratory viral infections, various biological (e.g. vaccines, peptides, recombinant proteins, antibodies and genes) and antiviral agents (e.g. ribavirin, palivizumab and valaciclovir) have been successfully developed for the treatment of respiratory virus infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections. These therapeutics are conventionally delivered via oral, intramuscular or injection route and are associated with several adverse events due to systemic toxicity. The inherent in vivo instability of biological therapeutics may hinder them from being administered without proper formulations. Therefore, we have witnessed a boom in nanotechnology coupled with a needle-free administration approach such as the inhalation route for the delivery of complex therapeutics to treat respiratory infections. This review discussed the recent advances in the inhalation strategies of nanoformulations that target virus respiratory infections.

Keywords: inhaled vaccines and therapies; nanoformulation; respiratory viral infections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccines* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Vaccines