LIVERPOOL, England, Oct. 21 (UPI) — The use of nanotechnology in medicine may significantly improve drug therapies for HIV patients, researchers at the University of Liverpool suggest in a study.
Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale, and can be applied in the medical field as nanomedicine. The study’s authors say this evolving discipline has the potential to significantly improve HIV treatment.
“The fruits of our interdisciplinary research are beginning to be realized,” researcher Andrew Owen said in a press release.
“Our approach has the potential to overcome challenges with current antiretroviral therapy, which include administration of high doses needed to achieve efficacious concentrations in the body, and the urgent need for better formulations for children living with HIV.”
During the study, investigators focused on the development of new oral therapies including the Solid Drug Nanoparticle technology. The approach is designed to improve drug absorption into the body, reducing the dose and the cost of the operation. They were also able to develop a novel water dispersible nanotherapy, which would remove the use of alcohol in pediatric medicine. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.
“The wide applicability of our strategy has implications for multiple therapy development programs and we are actively engaged in the creation of nanomedicine options to impact a range of clinical needs,” professor Steve Rannard added.
Researchers found that HIV patient groups have a strong willingness to switch to nanomedicine if benefits can be shown.
