Nanotherapeutic Interventions for Parkinson’s Disease: Modulating Pathogenic Mechanisms and Overcoming Therapeutic Obstacles

Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally. Despite significant research, effective clinical treatments for PD remain limited due to its complex pathogenesis and the selective nature of PD-related lesions. Advances in nanotechnology, however, have opened new avenues for PD therapy. Nanomedicines and nanomaterials, developed through interdisciplinary research, have shown the potential to enable precise and targeted drug delivery while modulating key pathogenic mechanisms involved in PD. This review first outlines the key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PD before providing an overview of nanomedicine-based strategies designed to target PD lesions by altering these mechanisms. We also summarize clinical trials on emerging PD therapeutics, with particular focus on the development and translational potential of nanomedicines. Although nanotechnology-based treatments for PD are still in their infancy, and a definitive cure remains out of reach, this field shows considerable promise. Finally, we explore future prospects to guide the continued development of PD nanotherapies. Overall, this review highlights the transformative potential of nanomedicine in the treatment of PD and underscores its potential for the development of more effective and targeted PD therapies. Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, nanomedicines, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy