Pulmonary drug delivery challenges for asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder treatment

Interest in pulmonary drug delivery has increased over the last decade, prompting the translation of various medications that were traditionally administered only via the oral or parenteral route. The inhaled delivery approach allows precise delivery of drugs to various regions of the respiratory system, making it suitable for both local and systemic treatments. Its enhanced targeting capability, large lung surface area (~70-140 m²), lower drug dosages required to achieve a rapid pharmacological effect, and minimal systemic side effects make pulmonary delivery an ideal route for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder treatment. Despite these merits, pulmonary delivery also presents limitations, such as achieving a pharmacological effect requires overcoming anatomical barriers during inhalation.