Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for treating neglected tropical diseases: affordable and scalable pathways for global health impact

Abstract

Nanomaterials present promising avenues for advancing global health, particularly in addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Affecting over a billion people, NTDs suffer from limited treatment options, often relying on drugs with poor solubility and bioavailability. This challenge is compounded by increasing drug resistance and difficulties in administering treatments effectively. This situation underscores a critical gap in pharmaceutical innovation, influenced more by market forces than by scientific limitations. The prohibitive costs and high failure rates of traditional drug development render standard innovation pathways economically impractical for neglected tropical diseases. Moreover, regulatory frameworks and intellectual property rights often hinder the development of affordable treatments for neglected tropical diseases. Nanotechnology, specifically self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), offers a scalable solution to overcome solubility and bioavailability barriers. By spontaneously forming emulsions in gastrointestinal fluids, SNEDDS eliminate complex manufacturing needs, as seen with successful clinical examples like ritonavir and cyclosporine. Leveraging these cost-effective, orally compatible platforms allows for the repurposing of existing drugs. Integrating such streamlined nanotechnologies into global health programs is essential to close the therapeutic gap in resource-limited settings.