Liposomal Drug Delivery for Pulmonary Inhalation

Introduction to Our Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System Development Service

Pulmonary delivery of liposomal formulations represents a transformative strategy in respiratory therapeutics, allowing for direct administration to the lungs with minimized systemic exposure and maximized local bioavailability. At BOC Sciences, we specialize in the preclinical development of liposome-based inhalation drug delivery systems to support targeted respiratory drug delivery. Leveraging two decades of expertise in nanomedicine and lipid-based drug carriers, we provide end-to-end liposome contract manufacturing services tailored specifically for pulmonary routes—empowering pharmaceutical partners to overcome the barriers of lung delivery and optimize therapeutic performance.

How to Get Started with Us?

Connect with us via our website or direct email to share your preliminary concept or specific needs related to liposomal inhalation drug delivery.
Engage with our formulation and pulmonary delivery specialists to discuss the scope, technical challenges, and regulatory considerations of your project.
Our team will conduct an initial scientific review to assess the suitability of liposomal approaches for your compound and recommend optimal development strategies.
Receive a detailed proposal outlining the technical plan, projected timelines, phase-specific deliverables, and budgetary framework tailored to your pulmonary delivery objectives.
Upon alignment of expectations and mutual agreement on terms, we will proceed with formal contract execution and initiate the stepwise development process.

Inquire today to accelerate your vaccine development.

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Why Choose Liposomes for Inhaled Drug Delivery?

Inhaled drug delivery systems are designed to transport pharmacologically active substances directly into the respiratory tract. They include various dosage forms - nebulizers, dry powder inhalers (DPIs), metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), and soft mist inhalers—each with unique aerodynamic properties influencing deposition efficiency in alveolar and bronchial regions. Among these, liposomal inhaled formulations offer significant advantages:

Prolonged retention time in lungs due to mucoadhesive and biodegradable properties.
Protection of labile drugs such as peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids from enzymatic degradation.
Enhanced penetration across the lung epithelium for both local and systemic effects.
Controlled release kinetics for dose-sparing and sustained pharmacological activity.

Our platform specializes in designing liposomal formulations compatible with pulmonary devices, optimizing particle size distribution (1-5 µm) for deep lung delivery, and modulating surface charge and bilayer rigidity to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes.

Comprehensive Services for Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System Development

At BOC Sciences, we offer comprehensive and cutting-edge services in the development of pulmonary inhalation liposomal drug delivery systems. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and research institutions focused on improving drug bioavailability and targeting efficacy in the pulmonary system. With our expertise in liposome formulation, drug encapsulation, and pulmonary delivery technologies, we ensure that your therapeutic agents are delivered effectively to the lungs with minimal systemic exposure.

Tailored Liposome for Pulmonary Inhalation

We construct inhalation-grade liposomes using advanced lipid engineering strategies:

Selection of Inhalation-Grade Lipids

We utilize phospholipids (e.g., DPPC, DPPG, HSPC) that mimic lung surfactant for enhanced biocompatibility and interaction with alveolar surfaces.

Cholesterol Modulation for Membrane Rigidity

We adjust the cholesterol-to-lipid ratio to balance liposome stability and drug release kinetics under aerosolization stress.

Surface Engineering for Pulmonary Retention and Penetration

(1) PEGylation for mucus penetration and stealth behavior

(2) Cationic lipids for improved cellular uptake

(3) Ligand-modified liposomes (e.g., transferrin, folate) for selective targeting of pulmonary cells or alveolar macrophages

Particle Size Optimization for Deep Lung Deposition

We precisely control the liposome diameter to fall within the 1–5 µm range, ideal for nebulization or dry powder inhalation.

Formulation Adjustment for Inhalation Devices

Depending on your target device and delivery mechanism, BOC Sciences customizes liposome formulations for:

Nebulizers: Formulations optimized for aqueous stability and droplet integrity during nebulization
Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs): Spray-dried or freeze-dried liposomal powders with optimal flowability, moisture resistance, and aerosol dispersion
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs): Development of propellant-compatible liposomes, where applicable (e.g., reverse liposomes or hybrid nanocarriers)

We apply formulation strategies including:

Spray Freeze Drying with cryoprotectants for long-term dry storage
Encapsulation of Thermo-/Photo-sensitive Drugs with lipid bilayer stabilization
Fine Particle Fraction (FPF) Optimization to maximize lung availability

Preclinical Inhalation Testing and Optimization

Our service offerings include preclinical in vitro and in vivo testing to assess the performance of your pulmonary inhalation liposomal delivery system. Through rigorous testing protocols, we evaluate aerosolization characteristics, drug release profiles, pulmonary deposition, and pharmacokinetic behavior to ensure that the liposomal formulation is optimized for its intended application.

Nebulization Stability Testing

Evaluate liposome integrity post-nebulization using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and encapsulation efficiency analysis.

Aerosol Performance Characterization

(1) Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) and Next Generation Impactor (NGI) studies

(2) Measurement of Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter (MMAD) and FPF

(3) Emitted dose and respirable fraction assessments

Mucus Penetration and Permeation Assays

Simulated lung mucus models to test penetration efficiency of surface-modified liposomes.

Lung Cell Compatibility and Uptake Studies

(1) Cytotoxicity screening using A549 and Calu-3 cells

(2) Quantification of cellular uptake via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry

Pulmonary Administration Techniques

Nose-only inhalation, intratracheal instillation, or microsprayer aerosol delivery in rodents.

Lung Retention and Biodistribution

(1) Radiolabeling or fluorescent tagging of liposomes to track biodistribution

(2) Time-course lung tissue analysis and systemic circulation tracking

Therapeutic Efficacy and Pharmacodynamics

Disease models (e.g., pulmonary infection, fibrosis, lung cancer) to assess anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, or anti-tumor activity.

Pulmonary Safety Evaluation

(1) Lung histopathology for inflammation, fibrosis, or epithelial disruption

(2) Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis for immune response markers

Step-by-Step Process of Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System Development Service

1. Project Consultation & Target Profiling

Define therapeutic indication and delivery target (alveolar, bronchial, etc.)
Identify API physicochemical properties and desired PK/PD profile

2. Liposome Design & Lipid Raw Material Selection

Selection of phospholipids, cholesterol, and surfactants
Consideration of liposome charge, rigidity, and permeability

3. Custom Liposome & Optimization

Techniques: thin-film hydration, ethanol injection, microfluidics, extrusion
Size tuning and lamellarity control for optimal lung deposition

4. Drug Encapsulation & Stability Evaluation

Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity assessments
Stability under physiological and nebulization conditions

5. Inhalation Delivery System Integration

Compatibility with nebulizers or DPI devices
Aerodynamic particle size distribution testing (in vitro deposition models)

6. Preclinical Performance Testing

Lung deposition studies using fluorescent labeling or radiolabeling
Pharmacokinetics, lung retention, inflammation markers

7. Scale-up & Technology Transfer

Process transfer under cGMP-like conditions for further development
Documentation and data packages for enabling studies

Benefits of Our Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System Development

Unmatched Expertise in Lipid-Based Systems: BOC Sciences has specialized knowledge in lipid chemistry, liposome engineering, and nanocarrier functionalization. Our team customizes systems that go beyond basic liposome structures to include stealth liposomes, thermosensitive vesicles, and ligand-targeted variants.
Respiratory Drug Delivery Precision: We utilize state-of-the-art aerosol characterization tools and in vitro/in vivo respiratory models to accurately simulate human lung environments and optimize liposomal behavior accordingly.
End-to-End Preclinical Support: From liposome design to in vivo efficacy studies, we provide seamless preclinical workflows aligned with regulatory expectations.
Innovative Formulation Technologies: BOC Sciences offers cutting-edge liposome production platforms, including continuous microfluidic processing and cryoprotectant-stabilized lyophilization for inhalable powders—minimizing batch-to-batch variation.
Flexible Collaboration Models: Whether you're at lead optimization or pre-IND stage, our modular service structure allows you to engage with us at any phase of development.

Applications of Our Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System

The application scope of liposome-based pulmonary inhalation systems spans a wide spectrum of therapeutic areas, with proven and emerging use cases in infectious diseases, oncology, genetic disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, and pulmonary immunotherapy. BOC Sciences' liposomal formulation platforms are precisely engineered to address the physicochemical, biological, and delivery challenges associated with each category.

Antibiotic Delivery for Pulmonary Infections

Pulmonary infections, particularly in conditions such as cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and ventilator-associated pneumonia, require high local concentrations of antibiotics without incurring systemic toxicity. Liposomal formulations allow antibiotics like tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and colistin to be encapsulated and delivered directly to the infected lung tissues. These inhaled liposomes enable prolonged residence time in the lungs, improved penetration through mucus and biofilms, and enhanced uptake by infected epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. BOC Sciences offers custom liposome engineering to tailor antibiotic release profiles and improve local antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity associated with systemic exposure.

Localized Chemotherapy for Lung Cancers

Systemic chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma often leads to dose-limiting toxicity. Liposomal pulmonary delivery presents an alternative that enhances the intratumoral accumulation of cytotoxic agents such as paclitaxel, doxorubicin, or cisplatin. Through aerodynamic optimization and controlled vesicle surface characteristics, these formulations can selectively deposit in diseased alveolar regions, achieving higher therapeutic indices. BOC Sciences develops inhalable liposomal chemotherapeutics that not only bypass first-pass metabolism but also facilitate sustained drug release and enhanced tumor penetration, particularly beneficial for targeting micrometastatic lesions in lung parenchyma.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents for Asthma and COPD

Chronic airway inflammation in asthma and COPD necessitates long-term treatment, which often suffers from poor patient compliance and systemic steroid side effects. Liposomal encapsulation of corticosteroids such as budesonide or fluticasone improves pulmonary retention, reduces dosing frequency, and minimizes systemic absorption. Moreover, the ability to modify surface charge and membrane fluidity allows tailoring of interactions with inflamed bronchial epithelium. BOC Sciences designs liposomal anti-inflammatory formulations that maintain structural integrity during nebulization and enhance epithelial uptake, thereby offering an improved pharmacokinetic and safety profile for long-term inhalation therapy.

Antiviral Therapeutics (e.g., COVID-19)

Respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, require rapid, localized antiviral action. Inhalable liposomes encapsulating agents like remdesivir, favipiravir, or novel siRNA antivirals can directly target infected lung cells. This route reduces viral load at the site of infection while minimizing systemic exposure. BOC Sciences offers formulation solutions that ensure stability under nebulization stress, preserve antiviral activity, and facilitate deep lung penetration. Our liposomal carriers are adaptable to both prophylactic and therapeutic applications in viral outbreaks and pandemic preparedness pipelines.

FAQs – Insights about Our Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System Development Service

Can BOC Sciences customize liposomal formulations based on specific lung disease targets (e.g., alveolar vs bronchial delivery)? Yes. Our formulation strategy takes into account the anatomical and physiological distinctions of different lung regions. We tailor liposome size, charge, and lipid composition to achieve site-specific deposition, whether targeting alveoli, bronchioles, or bronchial epithelium.
Can you integrate targeting ligands into liposomal systems for active delivery to lung tissues? Yes. We offer functionalized liposome design services incorporating ligands such as peptides, antibodies, or aptamers to enhance cell-specific uptake in pulmonary tissue, particularly for oncological or infectious disease applications.
Do you provide aerosolization studies under simulated lung conditions? Yes. Our in vitro testing includes cascade impactor studies, aerosol output evaluation, and lung deposition simulation using models such as the Next Generation Impactor (NGI) or Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) to predict pulmonary behavior of the formulation.
How do you manage liposome degradation risks during storage or nebulization? We use cryoprotectants and lyoprotectants for long-term storage stability, and we test liposome robustness under mechanical stress from nebulization. Each formulation undergoes stress testing for shelf-life prediction and nebulizer compatibility.
Can you develop both liquid and dry powder inhalation formats? Yes. We offer full-spectrum support for both nebulized (liquid) and DPI (dry powder inhaler) formats, including particle engineering for aerodynamic suitability, and lactose-based carrier selection for DPI.

For companies aiming to harness the full potential of inhalable liposomal drug delivery, BOC Sciences provides a scientifically robust, regulatory-aligned, and innovation-driven development partner. Our dedication to advancing respiratory drug delivery through liposomal nanotechnology sets us apart as a trusted CRO in preclinical development.

Supplementary Knowledges: Pulmonary Drug Delivery

What is pulmonary drug delivery?

Pulmonary drug delivery is a route of administration in which therapeutic agents are delivered directly to the lungs via inhalation. This method exploits the lung's large surface area, thin alveolar epithelium, extensive vascularization, and low enzymatic activity to enable rapid drug absorption into systemic circulation or to achieve localized treatment for respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary infections, and lung cancer. Liposomal carriers further enhance this approach by improving drug solubility, protecting labile compounds, and enabling controlled release at the pulmonary site.

What is the difference between nasal and pulmonary drug delivery system?

While both nasal and pulmonary routes utilize the respiratory tract, their anatomical targets, absorption profiles, and clinical applications differ significantly:

Nasal Drug Delivery targets the upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity) and is commonly used for rapid systemic absorption or local treatment of nasal conditions. Its use is limited by small surface area, mucociliary clearance, and lower permeability.
Pulmonary Drug Delivery focuses on the lower respiratory tract (bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli), offering a vast absorptive surface and efficient access to systemic circulation or direct lung tissue treatment. It is ideal for chronic respiratory diseases, systemic delivery of peptides/proteins, and localized lung-targeted therapies.

Pulmonary liposomal systems are specifically optimized to overcome the physiological barriers of the lower airway, offering superior deposition, retention, and therapeutic control compared to nasal delivery strategies.

Pulmonary Inhalation Liposomal Drug Delivery System Development Service