Nanomedicines for cardiovascular diseases: Lessons learned and pathways forward

Yi-An Mao1, Xiaozhou Shi1, Pingyuan Sun1

  • 1Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Nantong, 226011, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biotechnology in Organ Repair (Ministry of Education), Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China; Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.

Biomaterials
|March 21, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Nanomedicines offer a promising alternative to traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) treatments. Addressing preclinical concerns and clinical trial data is crucial for the safe and effective implementation of nanomedicine therapies for CVD.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular medicine
  • Nanotechnology
  • Regenerative medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, with current treatments like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery having associated risks.
  • Nanomedicine innovations present a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for CVDs, offering less invasive approaches.
  • Despite advancements, challenges in nanomedicine biosafety and mechanism of action hinder clinical translation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review state-of-the-art advances in nanomedicines for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
  • To highlight urgent preclinical concerns and ongoing clinical trials for nanomedicine-based CVD therapies.
  • To provide a clinical perspective on the challenges and opportunities in CVD nanomedicine.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive review of current nanomedicine research in cardiovascular disease.
  • Analysis of preclinical concerns regarding biosafety and mechanism of action.
  • Examination of ongoing clinical trials involving stem cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs), gene therapy, and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy.

Main Results:

  • Nanomedicines show significant potential as therapeutic alternatives for CVDs.
  • Key challenges include unpredictable biosafety and understanding the orchestrated behavior mechanisms.
  • Ongoing clinical trials are exploring novel nanomedicine approaches for CVD treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing preclinical concerns is vital for the successful clinical implementation of nanomedicines in CVD therapy.
  • Emerging nanomedicine strategies, including cell-based and gene therapies, hold promise for future CVD treatment.
  • A clinical perspective is essential for navigating the challenges and realizing the potential of nanomedicines in cardiovascular care.

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