Research Progress on Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Preeclampsia

Objective: This review aimed to provide a thorough analysis of the recent advancements in placenta-targeted drug delivery systems to manage preeclampsia (PE). Method: This article presents a comprehensive review of advancements in placenta-targeted drug delivery to manage PE. Moreover, this review emphasizes the assessment of various delivery routes and the selection of suitable drug carriers, incorporating relevant findings from both preclinical and clinical trials. By examining the mechanisms of action, benefits, and potential applications of placenta-targeted drug delivery, this article seeks to offer valuable insights and guidance for future research. Findings in Brief: Preclinical studies indicate that targeted drug delivery systems, which employ various methods, including intravenous or intraperitoneal administration and utilize carriers like antibody-conjugated nanoparticles, produce significantly higher concentrations of drugs in the placenta compared with non-targeted methods. The targeted approach has shown promising results in animal models of PE, often leading to improvements in maternal health indicators, such as lower blood pressure and reduced protein levels in urine, as well as enhanced fetal outcomes, including improved growth and decreased inflammation. While the clinical translation of these findings into practice remains in its early phases, initial clinical trials are currently assessing the safety and preliminary effectiveness of these innovative delivery systems. Although these early results suggest potential advantages, larger and more comprehensive trials are required to draw definitive conclusions about the efficacy of these delivery systems. Conclusions: Placenta-targeted drug delivery represents an innovative and promising strategy for managing PE. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional therapies by enabling localized and high-concentration drug delivery, which could significantly improve outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Finally, while preclinical data offer encouraging results, continued research aimed at optimizing delivery methods, creating advanced drug carriers, and conducting thorough clinical trials remains essential.