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Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles: Which Applications in Pediatrics?

Noelia Nieto González1, Antonella Obinu2, Giovanna Rassu2

  • 1PhD Program in Chemical Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23/a, 07100 Sassari, Italy.

Pharmaceutics
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Nanoparticles show promise for pediatric drug delivery, but research is limited to cancer treatments. More data on safety and efficacy is needed for broader pediatric applications.

Area of Science:

  • Nanomedicine
  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Many drugs lack suitable formulations for pediatric patients.
  • The United States Pediatric Formulation Initiative recommends nanotechnology for pediatric drug development.
  • Current research primarily focuses on nanoparticle applications in pediatric cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of polymeric and lipid nanoparticles for pediatric diseases.
  • To identify challenges and inspire future research in pediatric nanomedicine.
  • To highlight the potential of nanotechnology in addressing unmet needs in pediatric medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature analysis of polymeric and lipid nanoparticles in pediatric applications.
  • Review of existing clinical practices involving nanoparticles for pediatric conditions.
  • Assessment of research trends and data availability in pediatric nanomedicine.

Main Results:

  • Polymeric and lipid nanoparticles are extensively studied for pediatric diseases, with some already in clinical use (e.g., albumin nanoparticles, liposomes).
  • The majority of studies concentrate on nanoparticle-based pediatric cancer therapies.
  • Limited data exists regarding pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy in pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

  • Nanoparticles offer significant potential for treating various pediatric diseases.
  • The lack of pediatric-specific pharmacokinetic and safety data hinders the development of new nanoparticle-based medicines for children.
  • Further research is crucial to overcome challenges and advance nanomedicine in pediatrics.

Keywords:
lipid nanoparticlenanomedicinepediatric diseasepediatric medicinepolymeric nanoparticle

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