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

ABSTRACT

Introduction: 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.

Areas covered: 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.

Expert opinion: 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Antiviral drugs
• nanomedicines
• viral infections
• nanoparticles
• nanotherapeutics
• targeted delivery

Article highlights

• Nanocarrier incorporation of antiviral drugs can modify their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics properties and reduce the side effects.

• Long-acting nanoformulations can be applied in the treatment of infectious diseases to promote compliance and patient adherence.

• Nanomedicines formulations can overcome biological barriers and achieve effective drug concentrations in viral reservoirs.

• The peculiar physico-chemical properties of nanocarriers can enable their capability to interact with virus structures.

• Nanomedicine can provide an effective platform for treating viral diseases by small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery.

• Nanomedicine strategies can be considered a powerful tool to enhance the potential of currently approved antiviral drugs.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no 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. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

M Donalisio was funded by Compagnia di San Paolo (project code: Torino_call2014_L2_207), while D Lembo and R Cavalli were funded by University of Turin (ex-60 %) funds.