Nanotechnology-Driven Drug Repurposing: A Novel Strategy for Targeted Drug Delivery and Pharmacokinetic Enhancement

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1115

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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool in drug repurposing, offering innovative solutions for targeted drug delivery and improved pharmacokinetics. This Special Issue, Nanotechnology-Driven Drug Repurposing: A Novel Strategy for Targeted Drug Delivery and Pharmacokinetic Enhancement, explores how nanocarriers such as liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles, and exosomes can optimize the therapeutic potential of existing drugs. By leveraging nanotechnology, repurposed drugs can overcome challenges like poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and off-target effects, ultimately enhancing their efficacy and safety. This Special Issue welcomes original research and review articles on cutting-edge advancements in nanoformulation strategies, surface modifications for precision targeting, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating enhanced pharmacodynamics, and regulatory perspectives on nano-enabled drug repurposing. We particularly encourage contributions focusing on applications in oncology, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic conditions. By bridging the gap between nanomedicine and drug repositioning, this Special Issue aims to pave the way for cost-effective and efficient therapeutic solutions for unmet clinical needs.

Prof. Dr. Christos Papaneophytou
Prof. Dr. Christos Petrou
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanotechnology
  • drug repurposing
  • targeted drug delivery
  • pharmacokinetics
  • nanocarriers

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

26 pages, 1121 KB  
Review
Strategic Objectives of Nanotechnology-Driven Repurposing in Radiopharmacy—Implications for Radiopharmaceutical Repurposing (Beyond Oncology)
by María Jimena Salgueiro and Marcela Zubillaga
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091159 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 781
Abstract
The integration of nanotechnology into drug repurposing strategies is redefining the development landscape for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic agents. In radiopharmacy, nanoplatforms are increasingly being explored to enhance or extend the use of existing radiopharmaceuticals, complementing earlier applications in other biomedical fields. Many [...] Read more.
The integration of nanotechnology into drug repurposing strategies is redefining the development landscape for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic agents. In radiopharmacy, nanoplatforms are increasingly being explored to enhance or extend the use of existing radiopharmaceuticals, complementing earlier applications in other biomedical fields. Many of these nanoplatforms evolve into multifunctional systems by incorporating additional imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, fluorescence) or non-radioactive therapies (e.g., photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy). These hybrid constructs often emerge from the reformulation, repositioning, or revival of previously approved or abandoned compounds, generating entities with novel pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and biodistribution profiles. However, their translational potential faces significant regulatory hurdles. Existing frameworks—typically designed for single-modality drugs or devices—struggle to accommodate the combined complexity of nanoengineering, radioactive components, and integrated functionalities. This review examines how these systems challenge current norms in classification, safety assessment, preclinical modeling, and regulatory coordination. It also addresses emerging concerns around digital adjuncts such as AI-assisted dosimetry and software-based therapy planning. Finally, the article outlines international initiatives aimed at closing regulatory gaps and provides future directions for building harmonized, risk-adapted frameworks that support innovation while ensuring safety and efficacy. Full article
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