Non-Invasive Drug Delivery across the Blood–Brain Barrier: A Prospective Analysis

Abstract

Non-invasive drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) represents a significant advancement in treating neurological diseases. The BBB is a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that shields the brain from harmful substances in the blood, allowing necessary nutrients to pass through. It is a highly selective barrier, which poses a challenge to delivering therapeutic agents into the brain. Several non-invasive procedures and devices have been developed or are currently being investigated to enhance drug delivery across the BBB. This paper presents a review and a prospective analysis of the art and science that address pharmacology, technology, delivery systems, regulatory approval, ethical concerns, and future possibilities.

Keywords

• neurodegenerative disorders
• blood–brain barrier
• non-invasive delivery
• device-related delivery
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease