Intra-Nasal and Intra-Pulmonary Routes: Strategies for Managing COVID-19

Drug delivery through intranasal (IN) and intrapulmonary (IP) routes has been extensively employed for the management of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the post-pandemic era, it is necessary to effectively administer pharmaceuticals and vaccines to address the less severe manifestations of COVID-19. The IN delivery process involves direct application of medicinal substances via the nasal mucosa. Vaccines and anti-viral drugs are designed to provide localised immunity and mitigate the symptoms and severity of various diseases. The utilisation of inhalable formulations of anti-viral medications and immunomodulators can facilitate targeted drug delivery to specific affected lung tissues, thereby improving treatment outcomes and minimising adverse effects on the overall systemic physiology. This manuscript provides an overview of the most recent research and development on the use of IN and IP routes of administration for the management of COVID-19. It examines the potential advantages, obstacles, and consequences of the future healthcare strategies associated with these approaches.