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Nose to Brain
CNS Drug Delivery

Our expertise in spray drying, nasal delivery systems, and CNS-targeted therapeutics makes us the ideal partner for your nose-to-brain drug development journey.

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The Intranasal Delivery Route

We provide fully integrated services across every stage of drug product development:

Our spray drying expertise enables:

Precise particle engineering for nasal deposition
Development of dry powder and liquid nasal formulations
Enhanced stability and bioavailability of sensitive molecules

Device Compatibility & Delivery Optimisation

We ensure your formulation is compatible with a range of nasal delivery devices, including:

Single-dose and multi-dose nasal sprays
Dry powder nasal inhalers
Customised delivery systems for nose-to-brain targeting

Intranasal drug delivery

Advantages of Nose to Brain Drug Delivery

Nose-to-brain delivery offers a direct, non-invasive route to the central nervous system (CNS), bypassing the blood-brain barrier via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves.

This approach enables:

Rapid onset of action for CNS therapies
Improved CNS bioavailability of peptides, proteins, and small molecules
Non-invasive administration without injections
Targeted delivery for neurological and psychiatric conditions

YOUR STRATEGIC CDMO PARTNER

Partner with Upperton

We provide fully integrated CDMO services across every stage of the drug product lifecycle.

One Site

Award-winning facility built for scale and continuity providing integrated, end-to-end capabilities delivered under one roof.

One Team

The same team from your early-stage development through to preparation for commercial readiness.

Dosage Form Expertise

Proven track record in solving formulation and delivery challenges across multiple dosage forms.

Executive Leadership on Every Project

Direct access to experienced senior leadership for strategic oversight and decision-making.

Find out more about nose to brain delivery

Download our whitepaper

Award-winning for our service delivery

Contract Services Award - Upperton Pharma

Quality Assurance Award - Upperton Pharma

Nose to Brain FAQs

What are the Advantages of Nose-to-Brain Delivery?

Bypassing the Blood-Brain Barrier: It allows therapeutic agents to reach the brain directly, avoiding the BBB that blocks >98% of small-molecule drugs. Rapid Onset of Action: Fast absorption through the nasal mucosa leads to quick therapeutic effects, ideal for acute CNS conditions. Non-Invasive: Avoids painful injections, enhancing patient compliance. Reduced Systemic Side Effects: Targeted delivery limits exposure to the rest of the body. Bypasses First-Pass Metabolism: Avoids degradation in the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

What are the Current Challenges in N2B Formulation Development?

Nasal Clearance: Drugs without mucoadhesives may be cleared within 10 to 15 minutes. Targeting the Olfactory Region: Ensuring the formulation reaches the upper nasal cavity, not just the respiratory region. Solubility and Stability: Ensuring the API remains stable and soluble in the formulation during storage.

What Should I Look for in a N2B CDMO?

Specialised Expertise: A proven track record in nasal, not just oral, formulations. Device Integration: Ability to match the formulation with the correct nasal spray device or powder device. Analytical Capabilities: Experience in analytical method development, such as aerosol testing (AINI - Automated In-Nasal Impactors). Compliance: An MHRA/FDA approved facility.

What Diseases Can Be Targeted with N2B?

N2B drug delivery is a breakthrough area of research, with many of the possibilities still to be discovered. However, early research and regulatory approvals suggest treatment could be effective in the following areas: Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s. Acute CNS Conditions: Seizures, migraines, and opioid overdose. Psychological Disorders: Depression (e.g., Esketamine). Brain Cancers: Neuroblastoma.

Nose to Brain CNS Drug Delivery