Chitosan Nanoparticle Intranasal Delivery of Sumatriptan Succinate

Abstract

Migraines are the most common neurological disorder, affecting approximately 2.7 million Canadians. There exists no cure, however current treatment options are available. Sumatriptan, an antimigraine medication, is available on the market as an oral tablet, subcutaneous injectable or nasal spray. With all three routes of administration, the drug’s short plasma half-life of only two hours oftentimes leads to the need for recurrent doses. Subcutaneous administration is currently the most bioavailable method, but the injections can cause bruising and bleeding which may discourage patients from this form of treatment. Through this literature review, the utilization of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) as a delivery system for the intranasal delivery of sumatriptan succinate is discussed. Literature on sumatriptan, CSNPs and the limited literature combining the two was researched. To obtain a holistic understanding of the current treatment using sumatriptan and how CSNPs will improve migraine treatment, primary and secondary literature was reviewed. CSNPs allow for sustained drug release as a result of their mucoadhesive properties, over a period of approximately 24 hours, which will likely reduce the need for recurrent doses. Future clinical trials are necessary to investigate how CSNP delivery of sumatriptan succinate might enhance the quality of treatment for migraine sufferers. This research provides the potential for an effective, non-invasive treatment for migraines which could be favourable to many, including those who currently struggle with effective treatment.