Lung Delivery Systems to Optimize Pharmacotherapy of COVID-19: A Concise Review

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is an ongoing viral pandemic caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Several drugs were repurposed for its management; however, most of these drugs were not ideal treatments by traditional methods of administration, whether given by injection or orally. This is due to many reasons including pharmacokinetic limitations or drug-induced adverse effects. There is an urgent need to develop these drugs to target the virus in the lung tissue through inhalation. Objective: To address the gap in knowledge regarding efficacy and safety of pulmonary drug delivery of repurposed antiviral against COVID-19. Findings: Ongoing trials for inhalable formulations of several drugs such as Niclosamide; Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine, and Azithromycin among others showed promising results. Conclusion: The development of pharmaceutical forms for inhaled administration of antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs is an important direction that needs more attention to achieve the optimal management of respiratory infectious diseases.