Liposome-based intranasal delivery system for mast cell stabilisers
A novel liposome-based system for delivering mast cell stabilisers intranasally to treat allergic rhinitis. Utilizing GRAS excipients, ceramides for synergistic effects, and enhanced penetration, this innovation seeks to mimic established ocular treatments.
Overview
This innovative research seeks to develop a liposome-based delivery system for intranasal application, specifically targeting mast cell stabilisers to treat allergic rhinitis. By encapsulating mast cell stabilisers in liposomes, the solution aims to enhance drug penetration and provide controlled release, potentially offering improved relief from allergy symptoms. This approach draws on the established use of sodium cromoglicate in ocular treatments and leverages GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) materials to ensure safety and efficacy.
Technical specifications
- Encapsulation Technology: Utilizes liposomes made from GRAS excipients, ensuring safe and effective delivery.
- Synergistic Ingredients: Incorporation of ceramides in the liposome bilayer aims to stabilize mast cells and enhance barrier function in the nasal cavity.
- Controlled Release: Increased viscosity of the aqueous phase to enable sustained and controlled drug release.
- Proven Components: Follows the successful model used in OTC ocular preparations for dry eyes, adapting it for intranasal application.
- Manufacturing Process: Employs standard laboratory techniques for liposome production, including size and charge characterization, stability testing, and release profiling.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this research has not yet undergone laboratory testing but is poised for pre-formulation studies and in vitro validation to assess safety and efficacy.
About University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a comprehensive public research university of significant scale in the UK’s second city. For industry, a campus‑adjacent research park provides office and wet‑lab space, including the BioHub biomedical incubator managed by University of Birmingham Enterprise. Clinical collaboration is enabled through Birmingham Health Partners, aligning the university with NHS hospital trusts for translational studies and access to patient pathways. Energy and sustainability ventures tap the Birmingham Energy Innovation Centre and wider facilities at Tyseley Energy Park, creating a proving ground for low‑carbon technologies and scale‑up. Research is backed by competitive UK funding, including UKRI councils, Innovate UK, and NIHR, and a dedicated tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and spinouts to speed corporate partnerships.
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