Development of antibiotic dry powder inhalers formulations for the treatment of respiratory bacterial infections: A comprehensive review

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) constitute the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in over two million deaths annually. Bacterial pathogens are implicated in approximately 30 % of these fatalities. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) facilitate the attainment of elevated pulmonary concentrations of antibiotics through targeted particle deposition at the site of infection, thereby optimizing local drug exposure while concurrently reducing systemic drug levels. Effective pulmonary drug delivery necessitates powders possessing optimal aerodynamic characteristics. Achieving such properties in dry powder inhalation particles is possible through diverse formulation strategies and advanced inhaler technologies. This targeted approach to drug delivery facilitates high-dose localized treatment while concurrently minimizing the potential for systemic adverse effects and the development of antibiotic resistance. This review outlines the global landscape of antibiotic DPIs, detailing marketed products and those in development. It highlights how particle-engineering and functional excipients address API constraints to enhance lung deposition. Future innovations are likely to focus on new delivery methods and strategic combinations, such as antibiotics combined with mucolytics or bacteriophages, to improve the treatment of drug-resistant respiratory infections.

Publication Title

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology

ISSN

17732247

DOI

10.1016/j.jddst.2026.108041

Volume

117

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