Prodrug Nanoencapsulation

In particular, we are interested in encapsulating novel prodrugs in polymeric nanoparticles that mediate cell-receptor-specific targeting for the treatment of HIV. Prodrugs and nanoparticles have been shown to effectively decrease the bolus effect, or dose dumping of drugs into the system. In addition, ligands can be incorporated into the surface of these particles to target certain cell types specifically. Leveraging these properties will reduce typical systematic side effects associated with free drugs and will afford patients the opportunity to take medications less frequently, which sometimes require multiple doses per day.