Nanotechnologies and controlled release formulations for the administration of bisphosphonates and their potential in radiation protection

In the event of internal contamination with radionuclides, decorporating treatment is crucial. It must be initiated as soon as possible to limit tissue retention of radiocontaminants and accelerate their excretion. However, the existing therapies for such contaminations often lack effectiveness. The conventional research strategy is based on selecting or synthesizing new chelating agents, a lengthy and costly process. Another approach is drug repurposing, such as molecules belonging to the biphosphonate series. This primary therapeutic class is mainly used to treat bone metabolism disorders. However, for decades, biphosphonates have offered a wide range of applications in research, including macrophage depletion or bone regeneration, but also in more unexpected areas such as skin decontamination and decorporation. In addition, controlled drug delivery and nanotechnologies have offered a promising approach for significantly improving the delivery and efficacy of these active substances. They increase their distribution to target organs and bypass issues related to their toxicity or poor pharmacokinetic performance. After outlining the pharmaceutical properties of biphosphonates, the present review aims to present the central innovative systems for their delivery and targeting in the field of radiation protection.

Automated summary

Decorporating treatment is crucial for internal contamination with radionuclides. The existing therapies often lack effectiveness, and conventional research strategies are time-consuming and costly. Drug repurposing and nanotechnologies offer promising approaches for improving the delivery and efficacy of active substances.