Nanotechnology In Action: Targeted Therapies for Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmaniadonovani, continues to threaten the health of over 350 million people in more than 90 countries, leading to approximately 50,000 deaths each year.Current treatments, including liposomal Amphotericin B, pentavalent antimonial, and miltefosine, face significant limitations such as reduced efficacy, toxicity, adverse side effects, drug resistance, and high costs.These challenges highlight the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies that can improve patient outcomes.Nanotechnology presents a promising avenue by providing advanced drug delivery systems that enhance bioavailability, minimize toxicity, and offer targeted therapeutic approaches.This review delves into the recent progress in nanodrug delivery systems (nDDSs) for treating leishmaniasis, with a focus on developments from the last five years.While preclinical studies have shown promising results, more extensive research is needed to move these innovations into clinical practice.Essential areas for advancement include molecular diagnostic techniques, comprehensive clinical trials, and standardization efforts to facilitate the transition of these novel solutions into widely accessible treatments.