Breaking the Barrier of Brain Disease Therapeutics: Advocating Targeted Drug Delivery for Improved Neuro-Resident Interventions

Abstract

This paper provides an expert review of extant research into commercially utilized targeted drug delivery systems for brain therapeutics, with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), as case studies. While the paper highlights the progress made in developing effective drug delivery solutions, a common denominator across much of the research is the singular challenge posed by the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) against the bulk of drug delivery options and treatments. The paper identifies critical pathways and transporting effective therapeutics through the barrier, and calls for further innovation into nano-systems, gels, and wafers with BBB-beating properties. The paper calls for the modernization of manufacturing regulatory systems, as well as increased preclinical studies and clinical trials to establish the utility of such nano-systems. Ultimately, the paper vouches for fast-tracking and even exemption of promising delivery solutions from phase IV studies but instead to accurately assess and evaluate the solutions' efficacy in a "real world" setting.