Liposomes as drug delivery systems for the treatment of TB.
TB is an infectious disease that is far from being eradicated and controlled. The treatment for TB is associated with noncompliance to therapy because it consists of a long-term treatment with a multidrug combination and is associated with the appearance of several side effects. Liposomal formulations are being developed with first- and second-line antibiotics, and might be an extremely useful alternative to current therapies. This article will thus focus on the role of liposomes as nanodelivery systems for the treatment of TB. Among several advantages, these nanocarriers allow an increase in the bioavailability of antibiotics, which may lead to a reduction in the time of treatment. Results obtained with such nanosystems, although preliminary, are promising and are perspective of the use of inhalation for TB treatment.
REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto Rua Aníbal Cunha, 164, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal.
Marina
M
Pinheiro
Marlene
M
Lúcio
José L F C
JL
Lima
Salette
S
Reis
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000995:Antitubercular Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000995:Antitubercular Agents; D008081:Liposomes