Nanotechnology in Drug Discovery and Development

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a promising tool expected to have a strong impact in the health sector in the future years, especially related to the development of nanomaterials with new properties. In this work we have focused on the use of nanomaterials in the frame of drug development. These materials aim at overcoming present challenges from conventional medicine by modifying the properties of the final products in comparison with already existing drugs. We will provide a general overview of the different nanomaterials being studied in health treatments and a discussion on the current challenges that these compounds face in order to reach the clinical practice. Given the importance of the knowledge on the biodistribution and toxicity of new nanomaterials for their subsequent approval for regulatory agencies, the last two sections of this work focus on the methodology used to evaluate these parameters in new nanomaterials for health treatment.