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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Registered Bioimaging of Nanomaterials for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring
Published on: December 9, 2010
Nanomedicine safety in preclinical and clinical development: focus on idiosyncratic injection/infusion reactions
1School of Pharmacy, The Faculty of Medical Sciences, King George VI Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; Division of Stratified Medicine, Biomarkers & Therapeutics, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK.
Abstract:
Injection/infusion reactions to nanopharmaceuticals (and particulate drug carriers) are idiosyncratic and well documented. The molecular basis of nanoparticle-mediated injection reactions is debatable, with two hypotheses as front-runners. The first is complement-activation-related 'pseudoallergy', where a causal role for nanoparticle-mediated complement activation in injection/infusion reactions is considered. However, the second hypothesis (the rapid phagocytic response hypothesis) states a transitional link from robust clearance of nanoparticles (NPs) from the blood by strategically placed responsive macrophages to adverse hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary reactions, regardless of complement activation. Here, I critically examine and discuss these hypotheses. Current experimentally derived evidence appears to be more in support of the rapid phagocytic response hypothesis than of the 'pseudoallergy' hypothesis.
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