Dermal and transdermal delivery of protein pharmaceuticals: lipid-based delivery systems for interferon alpha

The dermal and transdermal delivery of protein pharmaceuticals faces enormo us challenges, and at the same time has very significant potential for the non-invasive treatment of both localized and systemic diseases. In this art icle we review the various approaches used to enhance and control the deliv ery of protein therapeutic agents through the dermal barrier. We show resul ts of the delivery of interferon (IFN) alpha, an antiviral agent used in th e treatment of condylomata acuminata (genital warts), using lipid-based del ivery systems (LBDS), In the general category of LBDS, we investigated the use of liposomes and fatty acylation as ways to increase IFN alpha delivery into human skin.