Lipid-based nanocarriers for delivery of small interfering RNA for therapeutic use

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) indicate the unprecedented versatility in silencing disease-causing genes. However, the therapeutic use of siRNA is limited by its inherent instability in serum and immunogenicity. Thus, to realize their full therapeutic potential, there is a growing need to develop an efficient siRNA delivery system that targets it towards the localized symptomatic sites. Consequently, nanosized lipid carriers have been utilized for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to improve their efficacy in clinical studies. In this review, we attempt to elaborate on the current improvements of chemically diverse lipid carriers for the delivery of siRNAs-based drugs across a wide range of diseases. Finally, we discuss the patents and clinical status of siRNA in lipid formulations, which continue to expand for years to come.