Future Perspective
In view of the considerable progress in nanomedicine both in research and clinical applications in other diseases, development of safe and effective methods of nanobiotechnology-based delivery of therapeutics for CNS disorders is anticipated in the next 5–10 years.[37] Safety and toxicity issues will be resolved and there will be an improved understanding of the mechanism of drug transport through the BBB. Future studies will advance the current limited knowledge of changes in the BBB that occur in various neurological disorders and these will be taken into consideration when planning therapies that are to be delivered across the BBB. Several clinical trials will be conducted to establish the efficacy of existing as well as new drugs for neurological disorders, including biological therapies such as gene therapy and siRNAs.
The future emphasis will be on developing drug delivery systems for the brain that can deliver adequate amounts of drugs in a controlled manner and in response to the requirements. Some of these will be integrated with implantable devices such as biochips for drug delivery. Multifunctional NPs will be developed as versatile tools; several NP formulations will serve both diagnostic and therapeutic functions. All of these developments will contribute to the progression of personalized medicine.
Nanomedicine. 2012;7(8):1225-1233. © 2012 Future Medicine Ltd.
