Navigating the Neural Highway: Addressing Clinical Applications, Cost-Effectiveness, and Compliance of Microneedle Drug Delivery in Neurological Disorders
摘要
Neurological conditions stand as major global health burdens because they occupy the second position among death causes while simultaneously producing extensive disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Neurological disorders require sophisticated therapeutic agent delivery approaches because the blood–brain barrier acts as a strong barrier to drug passage. Traditional drug delivery methods through oral or intravenous routes prove ineffective because they provide poor bioavailability while causing systemic toxicity through invasive procedures so better delivery systems are necessary.
New MethodThe drug delivery approach using microneedle systems presents an effective solution which solves major challenges through precise controlled delivery of medications through non-intrusive methods.
ResultsThis paper evaluates the present shortcomings in cell-based MN technology applications for ND therapy by analysing drug release dynamics alongside delivery accuracy and gene therapy innovations along with economic aspects and biomarker implementation. This study highlights an improved drug bioavailability and exact dosage delivery through the combination of MNs with nanoparticles, CPPs (70% increased brain uptake) receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT; 50% increased brain delivery), and trigger-responsive systems.
Comparison with Existing ModelsThis discussion examines how MNs function for gene therapy applications and intranasal delivery when treating neurodegenerative disorders. The medical community faces ongoing hurdles with long-term safety issues together with scalability and clinical feasibility limitations. The clinical use of these methods requires optimization because human applications face receptor saturation problems alongside decreased effectiveness.
ConclusionOngoing research and validation studies across neurological patient groups are needed to position MN-based systems as a transformative CNS drug delivery approach which will enable better neurological disorder.
Lay SummaryNeurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy significantly impact brain and nerve function, often leading to issues with memory, movement, and communication. These conditions are among the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, affecting millions of people. A major challenge in treating these disorders is the blood–brain barrier—a natural defence that protects the brain but also blocks many drugs from reaching it.
Conventional treatment methods, like oral or intravenous drugs, often fall short due to poor drug absorption and unwanted side effects. An emerging and promising approach involves microneedle technology, tiny, minimally invasive needles that can deliver medication through the skin in a controlled manner. This system can potentially improve how medicines, including genetic therapies, are delivered to the brain. Some microneedles can also respond to changes in the body, allowing drugs to be released only when needed.This review explores the potential of microneedle-based drug delivery for brain-related diseases, while also addressing the current challenges, such as high costs, patient comfort, and the precision of drug release. Further studies and clinical testing are essential to confirm their safety and effectiveness. With continued innovation, microneedles could become a powerful tool in personalised treatment strategies for complex neurological conditions.