Chapter 16 - Lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases

Abstract

Forgotten diseases, more usually known as “neglected tropical diseases” or NTDs, affect developing regions of Africa, Asia, America, and some countries of the European continent. Due to the characteristics of the population affected by NTDs (poor areas in developing countries, low-income patients), little effort is made either to eradicate or to innovate the therapeutics by the screening of new molecules. On the other hand, the improvement of the existing drug delivery systems is a more affordable alternative. This review will summarize the main, latest discoveries regarding NTDs lipid-based drug delivery systems. Out of the 20 different infections currently classified as NTDs, the present chapter will address tuberculosis, leprosy, leishmaniasis, malaria, and schistosomiasis. Special attention has been paid to lipid platforms such as liposomes, emulsions, and solid lipid nanoparticles. The major part of the studies cited in this chapter aims to improve treatment efficacy of the already commercialized molecules with different strategies such as bioavailability improvement, reduced toxic and/or side effects, and drug release control. Advances in treatment efficacy would translate into higher patient compliance and lower resistances, which ultimately will reduce the spread of the infections. In this regard, lipid nanoparticles have demonstrated to be a versatile, robust option for the amelioration of NTDs worldwide.