Therapeutic Potential of Targeted Nanoparticles and Perspective on Nanotherapies

Engineered nanoparticles (NPs) to specifically deliver payload therapeutics to target cells involved in pathophysiological processes seem to offer a powerful strategy to overcome intrinsic limitations of drugs. In this Viewpoint we disclose the synergistic potential between medicinal chemistry and nanomedicine to exploit the "targeting concept" in developing effective nanotherapeutics, as well as the challenges and limitations that should be considered in pursuing their clinical translation, especially toward precision medicine.