Methyl-cellulose powder for prevention and management of nasal symptoms

ABSTRACT

Introduction: HPMC-p, an inert micronized powder form of hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose, when insufflated nasally, provides a natural barrier against pollen allergens and noxious agents. This overview assesses the efficacy and safety of this patented powder product and delivery system without an analogue among the cellulose derivatives.

Areas covered: Twenty-six studies with HPMC-p were critically appraised to obtain an updated characteristic of the product. Most studies assessed the efficacy of HPMC-p as a nasal barrier enforcing measure: one experimental setup evaluated its ability to prevent or delay the diffusion of allergen through it, two clinical studies used allergen provocation tests, and the remaining relied on clinical criteria in open real world or placebo controlled designs. Two studies checked if HPMC-p could enhance the efficacy of drugs applied nasally to treat local symptoms. The studies, using either nasal allergen challenge or natural exposure of patients to environmental allergen, support the hypothesis that HPMC-p possesses barrier enforcing properties. Also, acute and clinical experiments indicated that intra-nasal application of HPMC-p following local relief medications enhances their ability to suppress symptoms and reduces their long-term use.

Expert commentary: Nasal insufflation of HPMC-p provides a mucosal barrier, reducing the nasal symptoms and enhancing the effects of local relief medications.

KEYWORDS:

• Methyl-cellulose
• hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose
• micronized powder
• allergic rhinitis
• prevention
• mucoadhesion
• nasal drugs efficacy enhancement

Declaration of interest

The development of hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose in the form of micronized powder (HPMC-p) is managed and funded by Nasaleze Ltd. Douglas, Isle of Man, IM4 4QE, UK. TA Popov, P Josling and JC Emberlin have conducted studies and are acting as scientific advisors for Nasaleze Ltd. N Aberg, NI Ilyina and NP Nikitin have conducted studies funded by Nasaleze Ltd. MK Church has provided advice and statistical help for studies funding by Nasaleze Ltd. All authors declare that the studies discussed in this review have been funded by Nasaleze Ltd, however Nasaleze Ltd had no involvement/influence in the content of this article. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Notes

1. Nasaleze®, Manufactured by Nasaleze Ltd. Douglas, Isle of Man, IM4 4QE, UK; www.nasaleze.com.

2. GRAS = Generally Recognized As Safe. sections 201(s) and 409 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript has not received any funding.