Nose to Brain
CNS Drug Delivery

Our expertise in spray drying, nasal delivery systems, and CNS-targeted therapeutics makes us the ideal partner for your intranasal drug development journey. 

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Intranasal drug delivery

Advantages of Nose to Brain Drug Delivery

Nose-to-brain delivery offers a direct, non-invasive route to the central nervous system (CNS), bypassing the blood-brain barrier via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves.

This approach enables:

  • Rapid onset of action for CNS therapies
  • Improved CNS bioavailability of peptides, proteins, and small molecules
  • Non-invasive administration without injections
  • Targeted delivery for neurological and psychiatric conditions

Our model is built around:

  • One-site delivery for seamless project execution
  • Embedded senior leadership on every project
  • Scalable science that evolves with your programme
  • Flexible, responsive partnerships tailored to biotech needs

When you are ready to begin your CDMO journey, Upperton specialises in:

Inhalation drug products (pulmonary delivery)
Oral solid dosage form tablets and capsules
Oral solid dosage forms (OSD)
Nasal drug delivery systems
Parenteral formulations

The Intranasal Delivery Route

We provide fully integrated services across every stage of drug product development:

01

Our spray drying expertise enables:

  • Precise particle engineering for nasal deposition
  • Development of dry powder and liquid nasal formulations
  • Enhanced stability and bioavailability of sensitive molecules
02

Device Compatibility & Delivery Optimisation

We ensure your formulation is compatible with a range of nasal delivery devices, including:

  • Single-dose and multi-dose nasal sprays
  • Dry powder nasal inhalers
  • Customised delivery systems for nose-to-brain targeting

Why Upperton

At Upperton, we specialise in the formulation and development of complex molecules, supporting a wide range of advanced drug delivery systems.

Our expertise spans:

By combining scientific excellence with practical development expertise, we help overcome the challenges of complex drug products and accelerate their path to clinic and market.

05 — partnership

Why Partner with Upperton

We provide fully integrated services across every stage of drug product development:

Microscope and analysis equipment at the Upperton facility

One Site

Integrated, end-to-end capabilities delivered under one roof.

Upperton scientist examining a formulation flask

One Team

The same team from your early-stage development through to preparation for commercial launch.

Test tubes used in complex molecule formulation development

Complex Molecule Expertise:

Proven track record in solving formulation and delivery challenges.

Upperton senior leadership overseeing laboratory work

Executive Leadership on Every Project:

Direct access to experienced senior leadership for strategic oversight and decision-making.

Find out more about nose to brain delivery

Download our whitepaper About Us

Nose to Brain FAQs

Bypassing the Blood-Brain Barrier: It allows therapeutic agents to reach the brain directly, avoiding the BBB that blocks >98% of small-molecule drugs. Rapid Onset of Action: Fast absorption through the nasal mucosa leads to quick therapeutic effects, ideal for acute CNS conditions. Non-Invasive: Avoids painful injections, enhancing patient compliance. Reduced Systemic Side Effects: Targeted delivery limits exposure to the rest of the body. Bypasses First-Pass Metabolism: Avoids degradation in the liver and gastrointestinal tract.  

Nasal Clearance: Drugs without mucoadhesives may be cleared within 10 to 15 minutes. Targeting the Olfactory Region: Ensuring the formulation reaches the upper nasal cavity, not just the respiratory region. Solubility and Stability: Ensuring the API remains stable and soluble in the formulation during storage.  

Specialised Expertise: A proven track record in nasal, not just oral, formulations. Device Integration: Ability to match the formulation with the correct nasal spray device or powder device. Analytical Capabilities: Experience in analytical method development, such as aerosol testing (AINI - Automated In-Nasal Impactors). Compliance: An MHRA/FDA approved facility.  

N2B drug delivery is a breakthrough area of research, with many of the possibilities still to be discovered. However, early research and regulatory approvals suggest treatment could be effective in the following areas: Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s. Acute CNS Conditions: Seizures, migraines, and opioid overdose. Psychological Disorders: Depression (e.g., Esketamine). Brain Cancers: Neuroblastoma.  

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