Polymeric nanoparticles for enhancing antiretroviral drug therapy

There is a surge of interest internationally in the study of nanoparticles for enhancing antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy. This paper presents a comprehensive review on polymeric nanoparticles for ARV drug therapy. Their main applications for targeting to macrophages and the brain, as well as other studies on modifications to enhance drug loading, decrease toxicity, and also to increase drug absorption are reviewed. The physicochemical characterization properties and their in vitro/in vivo performances are summarized. Further studies that need to be undertaken for formulation optimization are also identified. This review highlights the significant potential that nanoparticles have for the future effective treatment of HIV/AIDS patients on ARV drug therapy.