title: Nebulization as a delivery method for mAbs in respiratory diseases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The pulmonary route is not invasive and can be used to target drugs directly to the lungs, limiting the exposure of secondary organs. It is, thus, an attractive alternative to the intravenous route, for the delivery of mAbs, which display limited transfer from blood into the lungs.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review provides an overview of the pharmacological properties of antibody-based treatments, describes those for respiratory diseases and discusses preclinical/clinical results of aerosolized antibody-based therapeutics. The advantages and limitations of aerosol devices and the formulation for the administration of aerosolized mAbs are also detailed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overall, the inhalation of mAbs for therapeutic purposes is both appropriate and feasible. The size and structure of the biotherapeutic molecule are important properties to be taken into account when trying to achieve long-term retention. Mesh nebulizers currently appear to be the most appropriate devices for the safe delivery of large amounts of active mAb into the lungs. mAbs should be formulated so as to prevent their degradation and possible immunogenicity. General guidelines can be given for mAb aerosolization, but the formulation and device combination should be adapted for each therapeutic and clinical application.
authors.affiliation: Université François Rabelais, EA6305 , Tours F-37032 , France.
authors.forename: Renaud
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Respaud
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vecellio
authors.forename: Patrice
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Diot
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Heuzé-Vourc'h
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000336:Aerosols / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism*; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal
keywords: aerosol delivery; formulation; mAb; nebulizer; respiratory disease