Indian Scientists Pioneer Nose-To-Brain Drug Delivery Method For Tuberculosis Treatment

Indian scientists have come up with a pathbreaking discovery in their pursuit of finding a method to deal with tuberculosis. Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have formulated a nose-to-brain drug delivery method. It is expected to help deliver tuberculosis medicines directly to the brain through the nose. With this, one of the most dangerous forms of TB, Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS-TB), can also be treated. Severe CNS-TB may also impact the brain and spinal cord. As per an article published by The Times of India, the scientists’ team, led by Rahul Kumar Verma along with Krishna Jadhav, Agrim Jhilta, Raghuraj Singh, Eupa Ray, Vimal Kumar, Awadh Yadav and Amit Kumar Singh.

The article added the team of scientists developed chitosan nano-aggregates, small clusters of nanoparticles made from chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable material. These particles, also called nanoparticles, were then converted into larger clusters, known as nano-aggregates. It is produced for easy nasal delivery. These can hold TB drugs like isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF).

“By delivering the drug through the nasal route, the nano-aggregates can transport the drugs directly into the brain, significantly improving drug bioavailability at the injection site. Besides, chitosan is known for its mucoadhesive properties and sticks to the nasal mucosa, which helps the nano-aggregates stay in place and prolongs the time they can release the drug, enhancing its therapeutic effectiveness,” read an official statement as per the report.

“It could be applied to treat other brain infections, neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s), brain tumours and epilepsy by enabling efficient drug delivery to the brain,” the statement added.

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB is an infectious disease, primarily affecting the lungs and caused by bacterial infection. It gets spread through the air and via airborne particles released during coughing, sneezing or spitting by infected persons. People around the world annually observe March 24 as World Tuberculosis Day which plays a key role in functioning as a reminder of the fight against the illness.