Nanomedicine formulations for the delivery of antiviral drugs: a promising solution for the treatment of viral infections

TLDR

Viral infections are a leading cause of global mortality, and while nanomedicine can improve antiviral drug effectiveness, solubility and bioavailability challenges often necessitate high doses that increase adverse side effects, underscoring the need to evaluate efficacy, safety, and manufacturing for clinical translation. The review aims to overcome these limitations by surveying state‑of‑the‑art organic‑based nanoparticle platforms.

Abstract

Viral infections represent a public health problem and one of the leading causes of global mortality. Nanomedicine strategies can be considered a powerful tool to enhance the effectiveness of antiviral drugs, often associated with solubility and bioavailability issues. Consequently, high doses and frequent administrations are required, resulting in adverse side effects. To overcome these limitations, various nanomedicine platforms have been designed.This review focuses on the state of the art of organic-based nanoparticles for the delivery of approved antivirals. A brief description of the main characteristics of nanocarriers is followed by an overview of the most promising research addressing the treatment of most important viral infections.The activity of antiviral drugs could be improved with nanomedicine formulations. Indeed, nanoparticles can affect the fate of the encapsulated drugs, allowing controlled release kinetics, enhanced bioavailability, modified pharmacokinetics, and reduced side effects. In addition, the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers can enable their capability to target specific sites and to interact with virus structures. In this regard, nanomedicines can be considered an opportunity to enhance the therapeutic index of antivirals. Efficacy, safety, and manufacturing issues need to be carefully assessed to bring this promising approach to the clinic.