Selective drug deposition in lungs through pulmonary drug delivery system for effective management of drug-resistant TB

Introduction: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is a major health issue and continues to be a global health concern. Despite significant advancements in treatment modalities, similar to 1.6 million deaths worldwide occur due to TB infection. This is because of tuberculosis reservoirs in the alveoli making it a challenge for the formulation scientist to target this. Area covered: This review recent investigations on the forefront of pulmonary drug delivery for managing MDR-TB and XDR-TB. Novel delivery systems like liposomes, niosomes, employing carbohydrate, and -coated molecules via conjugation to selectively deliver the drugs to the lung TB reservoir via pulmonary administration are discussed. Expert opinion: Poor patient adherence to treatment due to side effects and extended therapeutic regimen leads to drug-resistant TB. Thus, it is essential to design novel strategies this issue by developing new chemical entities and/or new delivery systems for delivery to the lungs, consequently reducing the side effects, the frequency and the duration of treatment. Delivery of drugs to enhance the efficacy of new/existing anti-TB drugs to overcome the resistance and enhance patient compliance is underway.