Expanding the Therapeutic Potential of Statins by Means of Nanotechnology Enabled Drug Delivery Systems

Title:Expanding the Therapeutic Potential of Statins by Means of Nanotechnology Enabled Drug Delivery Systems

Volume: 14 Issue: 9

Author(s): Bilquis Romana, Mellissa Batger, Clive A. Prestidge, Gaia Colombo and Fabio Sonvico

Affiliation:

Keywords: Liposomes, micelles, nanocapsules, nanocrystals, nanoparticles, nanospheres, pleiotropic effects, statins.

Abstract: Statins are effective lipid lowering agents traditionally used for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Statins also exert a range of pleiotropic effects that make them attractive candidates for use in a wide range of disorders, in particular inflammatory and immune mediated conditions. However, the exploitation of such pleiotropic effects has been greatly hindered by poor bioavailability and adverse effects on muscles and the liver at higher doses. Nanotechnology is often suggested as the solution to this problem, as it enables an increased bioavailability of statins. Moreover, colloidal carriers can offer targeted drug delivery approaches that enable localised biological effects of statins, further reducing their potential for unwanted toxicity and adverse effects. This article reviews the available evidences for the increased potential of statin therapy when administered in nano-formulations such as nanocrystals, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and various nano-enabled devices.

Cite this article as:

Romana Bilquis, Batger Mellissa, Prestidge A. Clive, Colombo Gaia and Sonvico Fabio, Expanding the Therapeutic Potential of Statins by Means of Nanotechnology Enabled Drug Delivery Systems, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 14 (9) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1568026614666140329232252