Nanoemulsions for the management of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition caused by the degeneration of airways and other parts of the lungs. Conventional therapeutic approaches often fail to provide optimal efficacy due to limited drug bioavailability, poor targeting, and systemic side effects. A novel drug delivery system (NDDS) can lower the challenges associated with conventional therapies and improve the concentration of the drug in the various parts of the lungs. Nanoemulsion (NE) has emerged as one of the promising strategies for the effective management of COPD due to its capacity to enhance drug solubility, high drug loading, and targeted delivery in the pulmonary route. NE consists of an oil phase, an aqueous phase, and emulsifying agent (surfactant and co-surfactant). The nanoscale droplets exhibit several advantages, including enhanced permeation and prolonged retention of therapeutic agents in the pulmonary system. In the current chapter, we have discussed the mechanism through which NE can reach the lung through various routes of administration. We have also discussed the preclinical and clinical studies of NE-based delivery of corticosteroids, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories synthetic drugs, and herbal bioactive agents for the effective treatment of COPD. The future perspectives of the NE against COPD are also discussed.