Nanoparticle-Based Antiretroviral Delivery Systems to Overcome Drug Resistance and Improve HIV Management
Masika Anna Mahinda
Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda
Email: mahindamasika@studwc.kiu.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) had transformed HIV infection into a chronic, manageable condition. However, drug resistance, poor adherence, and limited drug penetration into viral reservoirs hinder long-term viral suppression and complicate cure strategies. Novel drug delivery systems are urgently needed to address these limitations. Nanoparticle-based platforms, which can encapsulate, protect, and release antiretroviral agents in a controlled manner, represent a promising solution. This review evaluated nanoparticle-mediated delivery strategies for antiretroviral drugs, focusing on their potential to overcome resistance mechanisms, enhance pharmacokinetics, and improve patient outcomes. This review synthesized peer-reviewed studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010–2025), focusing on in vitro, in vivo, pharmacokinetic, and early-phase clinical reports of nanoparticle-formulated antiretroviral drugs. Lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanocarriers, and inorganic nanoparticles improved drug solubility, extend plasma half-life, and enhanced biodistribution to sanctuary sites such as lymph nodes and the central nervous system. Long-acting nanosuspensions of cabotegravir and rilpivirine maintain therapeutic concentrations for up to eight weeks, improving adherence. Polymeric nanoparticles and nanogels enable co-delivery of multiple drugs, reducing viral escape. Preclinical studies showed up to 10-fold increases in intracellular drug concentrations and 2–3 log10 reductions in viral replication compared to free drugs. Safety remained favorable, though immunotoxicity and large-scale manufacturing challenges persist. Nanoparticle-based antiretroviral delivery represented a frontier in HIV management, addressing adherence, resistance, and drug distribution challenges. Translational efforts should focus on optimizing formulations, ensuring affordability, and tailoring delivery systems to resource-limited settings.
Keywords: HIV, Nanoparticles, Antiretroviral therapy, Drug resistance, Drug delivery.
CITE AS: Masika Anna Mahinda (2025). Nanoparticle-Based Antiretroviral Delivery Systems to Overcome Drug Resistance and Improve HIV Management. IDOSR JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES 11(2): 1-4. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JES/112.14000