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

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