Experimental models for evaluation of direct nose-to-brain drug delivery

Abstract Direct nose-to-brain drug delivery has emerged in recent years as an exceptional drug delivery approach for the noninvasive administration of a variety of drugs and vaccines. In order to evaluate the reliability of this route of drug administration, experimental models are needed. In addition, the correct experimental model provides a precise correlation of the findings when the results are to be extrapolated to man. The primary aim of this chapter is to provide the researchers with a comprehensive overview of various experimental models, viz. in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo, genetic, neurotoxic, and computational models for different preclinical studies involved in direct nose-to-brain drug delivery. In the selection of an appropriate model for investigational studies, several factors such as merits, demerits, ease of handling, and cost effectiveness need to be considered. Finally, authors conclude that this chapter would present an excellent piece of efforts for exploring the availability and selection of a specific experimental model that mimics the major pathological and phenotypic features of any neurological disorder.