Development of natural polymers-based inhaled microspheres for tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB). Treatment involves a 6-month regimen of four first-line anti-TB drugs: isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), ethambutol (ETH), and pyrazinamide (PZA). However, the effectiveness of this regimen is limited due to the protection of Mtb bacteria in lung lesions. An alternative approach involves delivering the drugs directly to the lungs through inhalation using innovative methods of microspheres, which can greatly enhance treatment efficacy. Objective: This review focuses on inhaled microspheres that use natural polymers for anti-tubercular drugs.   Method: A comprehensive literature survey was pulled from databases  (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect) from 2012 to 2022. Result: The characterisation studies, formulation technique, and efficacy using in vitro and in vivo studies of anti-tuberculosis drugs inhaled microspheres. Conclusion: Microspheres have substantial potential as an inhaled drug delivery system and are likely to have significant clinical contributions in the future.