Nanoparticle-Mediated Therapies for Atherosclerosis: A Novel Approach to Targeted Treatment

Atherosclerosis(AS) remains a leading cause of global cardiovascular mortality due to the formation of lipid rich plaques and chronic vascular inflammation. Conventional therapies, including statins, antiplatelet agents and surgical interventions, primarily control risk factors by preventing new plaque deposits but show limited ability to selectively target inflamed vascular sites.

This review critically evaluates current advances in nanoparticle mediated drug delivery for atherosclerosis, with emphasis on mechanistic targeting of inflamed plaques, modulation of macrophage driven inflammatory and oxidative pathways within the diseased vascular microenvironment. This review also highlights comparative analysis of major nanoparticle systems, integration of theranostic functionalities for simultaneous molecular imaging and therapy. The translational barriers are also addressed to enable clinical implementation.Significance of Review: Despite advancements in lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory drugs, current atherosclerosis treatments are limited by inadequate plaque specificity, rapid systemic clearance, off-target toxicity, and persistent cardiovascular risk. Nanoparticle based systems can solve these problems with simultaneous diagnosis and therapy, thereby addressing major unmet clinical needs.Key Findings: Different types of nanoparticles demonstrate promising therapeutic outcomes by modulating macrophage activity, reducing oxidative stress, enabling controlled drug release and improving plaque imaging. Theranostic nanoparticles further allow simultaneous diagnosis and treatment. However, large-scale manufacturing, nanotoxicology and regulatory constraints continue to hinder clinical translation.

Nanoparticle-mediated therapies represent a transformative approach for atherosclerosis by enabling precision, targeted and multifunctional treatment. Continued optimization of safety, scalability and regulatory compliance will be essential for successful clinical adoption and improved patient outcomes.