Cubosomes: evolving platform for intranasal drug delivery of neurotherapeutics

Abstract

Background

As per World Health Organization (WHO) database, neurological and psychiatric disorders constitute a significant and escalating source of morbidity, impacting over one billion lives with a staggering 9 million fatalities. Unfortunately, the magnitude of these disorders remains largely untreated, primarily due to the formidable challenge of the cerebrospinal fluid–brain barrier (CBB), blood–brain barrier (BBB), as well as the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) compromising the central nervous system (CNS) therapies. Thus, there is a need to explore innovative drug delivery platforms capable of overcoming these barriers in order to facilitate effective delivery of therapeutic drugs.

Main body of abstract

Intranasal drug delivery (INDD) of nanoformulations has emerged as a promising approach, leveraging advantages such as a high surface area, nanoscale particle size, mucoadhesion, noninvasive administration with rapid, and greater drug bioavailability. In this, cubosomal drug delivery (DD) has emerged as a pivotal targeted drug delivery strategy, particularly in the therapy of neurological ailments. Nowadays, researchers and academicians have focused their efforts to tailor cubosomes (CBS) specifically for improving efficacy of central nervous system (CNS) therapies.

Conclusion

This review gives an idea about current status of neurological disorders (ND), the barriers that restricts CNS drug delivery (BBB), and possible nasal pathways of CBS for effective drug transport. A central focus is placed on intranasal (IN) cubosomal formulations for several NDs, elucidating their potential benefits while addressing existing challenges. In essence, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into innovative approaches that hold promise for addressing the use and need of IN-CBS in the treatment of NDs.