Drug Delivery and Translational Research - Featured Article: December 2022
Read the featured article from the December 2022 issue! (this opens in a new tab)
Summary: We introduce a novel antiviral nano-drug called SNAT (Smart Nano-Enabled Antiviral Therapeutic) composed of taxoid (Tx)-decorated amino (NH2)-functionalized silver nanoparticles (Tx–[NH2-AgNPs]). The particles are around 5 nm in diameter, positively charged and stable for over three years at room temperature. We assessed the preclinical efficacy of inhaled SNAT where we found that SNAP significantly reversed the body weight loss, reduced the virus load in oral swabs, and improved lung health of hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2. Further, SNAT was found to be noncytotoxic and antioxidant, potentially quenching lipid peroxidation, in human lung epithelial cells and dermal fibroblasts. Overall, our study collectively highlights SNAT as a safe and potent antiviral platform against SARS-CoV-2 infection and potentially other respiratory viruses of epidemic and pandemic potential.
Read the December 2022 issue here. (this opens in a new tab)