Nanoparticles in the clinic: An update post COVID-19 vaccines

Nanoparticles are used in the clinic to treat cancer, resolve mineral deficiencies, image tissues, and facilitate vaccination. As a modular technology, nanoparticles combine diagnostic agents or therapeutics (e.g., elements, small molecules, biologics), synthetic materials (e.g., polymers), and biological molecules (e.g., antibodies, peptides, lipids). Leveraging these parameters, nanoparticles can be designed and tuned to navigate biological microenvironments, negotiate biological barriers, and deliver therapeutics or diagnostic agents to specific cells and tissues in the body. Recently, with the Emergency Use Authorization of the COVID-19 lipid nanoparticle vaccines, the advantages and potential of nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle have been displayed at the forefront of biotechnology. Here, we provide a 5-year status update on our original Nanoparticles in the Clinic review (also a 2-year update on our second Nanoparticles in the Clinic review) by discussing recent nanoparticle delivery system approvals, highlighting new clinical trials, and providing an update on the previously highlighted clinical trials.

Automated summary

Nanoparticles serve as a crucial technology in treating cancer, imaging tissues, and facilitating vaccination. The recent Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 lipid nanoparticle vaccines has highlighted the potential of nanoparticles as delivery vehicles in the forefront of biotechnology.