Drug delivery to the brain

Drug delivery to the brain is the process by which pharmaceutical drugs are transported to the brain. Pronunciation: /drʌg dɪˈlɪvəri tuː ðə breɪn/.

Etymology

The term is derived from the English words "drug" (from Old French drogue, possibly derived from droge vate, meaning "dry barrels", referring to medicinal plants preserved in them), "delivery" (from Old French delivrer, meaning "to set free"), and "brain" (from Old English brægen, of unknown origin).

Overview

Drug delivery to the brain involves overcoming the blood-brain barrier, a protective mechanism that prevents potentially harmful substances from entering the brain. This process is crucial in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain tumors.

Methods

There are several methods for drug delivery to the brain, including intranasal drug delivery, intraventricular/intrathecal drug delivery, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on the specific drug and the condition being treated.

Challenges

Despite advances in technology, drug delivery to the brain remains a significant challenge due to the blood-brain barrier. Researchers are continually exploring new methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug delivery to the brain.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Drug delivery to the brain
Wikipedia's article - Drug delivery to the brain

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Drug delivery to the brain