Lipid based nanoformulations for targeted delivery of neuroactives in migraine therapy

Migraine is a prolonged neurological condition and is ranked as the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide. Migraines impact over 18% of women and 6% of men annually, significantly impairing daily activities that diminish quality of life (QoL). Despite its prevalence, migraine remains largely untreated, mainly a problem that arises from the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which confines the brain’s ability to receive effective concentrations of actives. Thus, the necessity for an innovative drug delivery system (DDS) that can surpass these obstacles is essential. Nanotechnology provides an encouraging approach by employing strategies such as encapsulation, which enhance stability and facilitate targeted brain delivery. Furthermore, by employing controlled release mechanisms, drug levels can be maintained for an extended period, thereby lowering dosing frequency and systemic side effects. This review underlines pathophysiology and current treatment strategies, specifically calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists (gepants), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), also 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT1F) receptor agonists (ditans) for migraine, with a specific focus on the role of lipid nanoparticles in bypassing the BBB. This review combines mechanistic insights, current clinical trial data, with a comparative overview about lipid nanoformulations investigated for brain delivery with special emphasis on neuroactives in migraine therapy.