Targeted delivery of therapeutics to the heart with calcium phosphate nanoparticles.

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with conventional therapies mainly providing symptomatic relief without targeting underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Additionally, limitations of systemic drug administration, including poor tissue targeting and low accumulation, highlight the need for innovative approaches.

Areas covered: Nanomedicine offers promising strategies for CVDs. Among nanocarriers, calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs) are particularly attractive due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, pH-responsive behavior, and versatility for drug incorporation. This report summarizes recent advances, identified through a literature search using Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, on the application of CaP NPs for CVD therapy. Although still in its infancy, emerging evidence, including studies in large animal models, suggests the CaP NPs can selectively target cardiac tissues and efficiently deliver diverse bioactive molecules.

Expert opinion: CaP NPs represent a highly promising platform for cardiovascular therapy. Their safety and potential for noninvasive inhalation administration could enable precise, effective, and patient-friendly treatments. Future research, including comparative studies with other nanocarriers, will help to validate their therapeutic potential. Continued development of CaP NP-based strategies may transform CVD management by enabling molecular-level interventions that improve clinical outcomes, reduce systemic side effects, and allow rapid and convenient dosing.