Formulation, optimization and in-vitro evaluation of niosome-loaded nasal drops for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that progressively damages the central nervous system, leading to demyelination, axonal loss, and neurological disability. One of the primary challenges in MS therapy is achieving effective drug concentrations within the brain due to the restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Conventional drug delivery routes often result in limited brain uptake and increased systemic adverse effects.To address these limitations, nanocarrier-based systems such as niosomes have been extensively investigated. Niosomes are vesicular structures formed from non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol, capable of encapsulating diverse therapeutic agents and enhancing their stability and permeability.Their structural flexibility and biocompatibility make them suitable candidates for targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system.Intranasal administration has emerged as a promising alternative route for brain targeting, allowing drugs to bypass the BBB via olfactory and trigeminal neural pathways. When combined with niosomal encapsulation, this approach can significantly improve drug transport efficiency and therapeutic outcomes.This review provides a comprehensive overview of the formulation strategies, optimization variables, and in-vitro evaluation techniques for niosome-loaded nasal drug delivery systems. Emphasis is placed on critical parameters such as vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug release behavior.Overall, the integration of niosomal technology with nasal delivery offers a promising platform for improving the management of multiple sclerosis.