Nanotechnology has long been regarded as the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular, and supramolecular scale, and can be applied in the medical field as nanomedicine. That being said, a new study conducted by the University of Liverpool researchers suggest that the use of nanotechnology in medicine may significantly improve drug therapies for HIV patients. The study's authors have explained that this evolving discipline has the potential to significantly improve HIV treatment and pave the way for new techniques.
Nanotechnology For HIV
According to reports revealed by Controlled Environments, as of the press time, the treatment of HIV intensively requires a daily oral dosing of HIV drugs, and, in turn, chronic oral dosing has allegedly created significant complications that arise from the high pill burden experienced by many patients across populations with varying conditions leading to non-adherence to therapies. Recent evaluation of HIV patient groups have greatly shown a huge level of willingness to switch to nanomedicine alternatives provided that benefits can be shown. It was found that the research has been focused on the development of new oral therapies suggests that using Solid Drug Nanoparticle (SDN) technology which can improve drug absorption into the body, reduces both the dose and the cost per dose and enabling existing healthcare budgets to treat more patients.
Furthermore, as reported by Science Daily, the trial results served as an affirmation of the potential for a 50 percent dose reduction while maintaining therapeutic exposure, using a novel approach to formulation of two drugs namely efavirenz (EFV) and, lopinavir (LPV). Consequently, the researchers said that the trial involved in the study is apparently connected to the University's ongoing work as part of the multinational consortium OPTIMIZE, which is said to be a global partnership working to accelerate access to simpler, safer and more affordable HIV treatment. Subsequently, OPTIMIZE is led by the Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa, and includes the interdisciplinary Liverpool team, Columbia University, Mylan Laboratories and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) and is being supported by key partners including UNITAID and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).
Study Proposition
Meanwhile, Benny Kottiri, USAID's Office of HIV/AIDS Research Division Chief has claimed that the potential applications for HIV treatment are incredibly promising. He explains that by aligning efforts, these integrated investments offer the potential to reduce the doses required to control the HIV virus even further, resulting in real benefits globally. Ultimately, experts believe that the idea would enable the costs of therapy to be reduced; something that is particularly beneficial for resource-limited countries where the burden of disease is highest.
