Controlled-release microparticulate inhaler system formed from liposomes composed of pulmonary surfactants and budesonide: innovating anti-asthma therapy

• Grant number: 25/03364-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Amaral Machado
• Grantee: Ludmila Aparecida Lima Fideles Rossi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Asthma, a disease classified as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, presentsclinically as respiratory difficulty, cough, wheezing, edema characteristic of the airways,remodeling, and hyperresponsiveness. It is triggered by a genetic predisposition andenvironmental factors, such as exposure to the allergen. Its treatment involves the use of drugsable to reduce symptoms and inflammatory process. Nonetheless, they have high costs and serious side effects, which compromise the therapeutic adherence and the patient's quality life.Based on this, the use of innovative therapies involving microparticles and nanotechnologies emerge to improve adherence to asthma treatment, minimize side effects, and increase its efficacy. Based on this, the formulation of inhaled microparticles of hyaluronic acid andchitosan containing liposomes loaded with budesonide presents a promising strategy forcontrolled pulmonary release. In addition, allow drug deposition at the target site, making thetreatment more efficient, shorter, and safer. The present project aims to create an inhaling nano-in-micro system. Nanostructures will be loaded with budesonide. Liposome suspension will bemixed in a chitosan and hyaluronic acid solution to produce dried microparticles. This composition improves lung deposition and reduces losses due to defense mechanisms, ensuring mucoadhesive properties and greater safety. In addition, the construction of liposomes with pulmonary surfactants contributes to the modulation of the fluidity and elasticity of the liposomal membrane, favoring adaptation to the biological environment and providing prolonged drug release. Based on this, these approaches can provide a faster and effective therapeutic response, improving clinical and epidemiological outcomes of asthma.