Nose-to-Brain Reformulation: Unlocking a New Frontier in CNS Drug Delivery

 

Innovation in drug delivery is increasingly turning toward the nasal route as a promising gateway to the Central Nervous System (CNS).
The nose-to-brain (N2B) pathway is gaining traction as a strategic solution to one of the most persistent challenges in CNS pharmacology: bypassing the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

By leveraging this direct access, intranasal delivery offers a unique combination of clinical and therapeutic advantages:

  • Bypass of the BBB, enhancing CNS bioavailability

  • Reduced systemic side effects, improving safety profiles

  • Faster onset of action and higher precision in drug targeting

  • Non-invasive administration, promoting better patient compliance

At Sterling, we are actively developing a Proof of Concept utilizing a neurosteroid API, with promising outcomes in early formulation stages. Our research is currently focused on:

  • Encapsulation using Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)

  • Preliminary lyophilization stability assessments

  • Future development in bioadhesion and mucosal permeation performance

Our goal is to empower pharmaceutical partners to reformulate and reposition APIs for CNS applications, delivering more effective, safer, and patient-friendly therapies through advanced intranasal drug delivery systems.

Market dynamics reinforce the potential of this approach:
CNS drug pipelines have expanded by 31% over the past five years, and the intranasal drug delivery market is projected to reach $92.6 billion by 2030.

Sterling is committed to advancing this frontier—combining lipid selection, nanoparticle design, and formulation science to create a robust development roadmap for N2B-compatible APIs.

The future of CNS therapeutics may well begin with a breath. At Sterling, we’re already shaping it.

Innovation in drug delivery is increasingly turning toward the nasal route as a promising gateway to the Central Nervous System (CNS).
The nose-to-brain (N2B) pathway is gaining traction as a strategic solution to one of the most persistent challenges in CNS pharmacology: bypassing the blood–brain barrier (BBB).

By leveraging this direct access, intranasal delivery offers a unique combination of clinical and therapeutic advantages:

  • Bypass of the BBB, enhancing CNS bioavailability

  • Reduced systemic side effects, improving safety profiles

  • Faster onset of action and higher precision in drug targeting

  • Non-invasive administration, promoting better patient compliance

At Sterling, we are actively developing a Proof of Concept utilizing a neurosteroid API, with promising outcomes in early formulation stages. Our research is currently focused on:

  • Encapsulation using Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)

  • Preliminary lyophilization stability assessments

  • Future development in bioadhesion and mucosal permeation performance

Our goal is to empower pharmaceutical partners to reformulate and reposition APIs for CNS applications, delivering more effective, safer, and patient-friendly therapies through advanced intranasal drug delivery systems.

Market dynamics reinforce the potential of this approach:
CNS drug pipelines have expanded by 31% over the past five years, and the intranasal drug delivery market is projected to reach $92.6 billion by 2030.

Sterling is committed to advancing this frontier—combining lipid selection, nanoparticle design, and formulation science to create a robust development roadmap for N2B-compatible APIs.

The future of CNS therapeutics may well begin with a breath. At Sterling, we’re already shaping it.