Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery for Infectious Diseases

Despite advances in therapeutics and public health measures, chronic communicable infectious diseases persist as a significant global health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates. Recent developments in long-acting (LA) treatments, such as extended-release nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, represent a transformative approach to disease management. These advancements are particularly critical for human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, where medication adherence and treatment efficacy pose ongoing challenges. This article reviews progress in nanoparticulate systems, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanocrystals, in developing therapies for both the prevention and treatment of these chronic infectious diseases. These systems demonstrate improved safety profiles, extended circulation time, and predictive release profiles. The innovative LA treatment regimens derived from these nanoparticles have the potential to bridge the gap between clinical trial efficacy and real-world effectiveness by reducing disease progression and transmission, enhancing medication adherence, and streamlining treatment regimens. Furthermore, this review offers valuable insights into the manufacturing and pharmacological considerations and guidance for future innovations in the early phases of nanoparticle-based therapeutic development.