Current Therapeutic Strategies and Possible Effective Drug Delivery Strategies against COVID-19
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Debabrata Ghosh Dastidar1,2, Dipanjan Ghosh2, Swarnasree Ghosh2
1Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, 157/F Nilgunj Road, Panihati, Kolkata, 700114, West Bengal, India.
Abstract:
COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest global crisis. The frequent mutations in coronavirus to generate new mutants are of major concern. The pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been well studied to find suitable molecular targets and candidate drugs for effective treatment. FDArecommended etiotropic therapies are currently followed along with mass vaccination. The drug delivery system and the route of administration have a great role in enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic agents and vaccines. Since COVID-19 primarily infects the lungs in the affected individuals, pulmonary administration may be the best possible route for the treatment of COVID-19. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, porous microsphere, dendrimers, and nanoparticles encapsulated microparticles are the most suitable drug delivery systems for targeted drug delivery. The solubility, permeability, chemical stability, and biodegradability of drug molecules are the key factors for the right selection of suitable nanocarriers. The application of nanotechnology has been instrumental in the successful development of mRNA, DNA and subunit vaccines, as well as the delivery of COVID-19 therapeutic agents.
Insights
Nanotechnology enhances COVID-19 treatments and vaccines through advanced drug delivery systems. Pulmonary administration and nanocarriers improve therapeutic efficacy for the ongoing pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global health crisis driven by SARS-CoV-2 mutations.
- Understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective treatments and vaccines.
- Current strategies include FDA-approved therapies and mass vaccination, with drug delivery systems playing a key role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of nanotechnology and optimized drug delivery systems in combating COVID-19.
- To highlight pulmonary administration as a potential route for COVID-19 therapeutics.
- To discuss the selection criteria for nanocarriers based on drug properties.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on COVID-19 pathophysiology, treatments, and vaccine development.
- Analysis of various nanocarrier systems, including liposomes, nanoparticles, and dendrimers.
- Evaluation of drug properties influencing nanocarrier selection, such as solubility and stability.
Main Results:
- Nanotechnology has been pivotal in developing mRNA, DNA, and subunit vaccines for COVID-19.
- Various nanocarriers show promise for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
- Pulmonary administration is identified as a potentially effective route for lung-targeted COVID-19 treatments.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery systems are crucial for enhancing the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
- Optimized administration routes, like pulmonary delivery, can improve treatment outcomes.
- Careful selection of nanocarriers based on drug characteristics is essential for successful therapeutic development.
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