Cardiovascular therapy through nanotechnology - How far are we still from bedside?

Abstract

Recent years brought about a widespread interest in the potential applications of nanotechnology for the diagnostics and the therapy of human diseases. With its promise of disease-targeted, patient-tailored treatment and reduced side effects, nanomedicine brings hope for millions of patients suffering of non-communicable diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disorders. However, the emergence of the complex, multicomponent products based on new technologies poses multiple challenges to successful approval in clinical practice. Regulatory and development considerations, including properties of the components, reproducible manufacturing and appropriate characterization methods, as well as nanodrugs' safety and efficacy are critical for rapid marketing of the new products. This review discusses the recent advances in cardiovascular applications of nanotechnologies and highlights the challenges that must be overcome in order to fill the gap existing between the promising bench trials and the successful bedside applications. © 2014 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston.