RNA vaccines against COVID-19 are our best weapon to end the pandemic. Their success lies, in part, in using nanotechnology to deliver RNA messages directly into cells. But the applications of the "nano" world in medicine go far beyond that, potentially transforming diagnostics, reducing the side effects of chemotherapy and even helping us fight antibiotic resistance. Nanomedicine will be part of the medical treatments of the future.
Within the therapeutic applications of nanomedicine, several promising areas stand out. First, nanotechnology facilitates solutions to the problem of controlled drug release. We currently rely on drugs that we have to take in larger doses than clinically necessary, several times a day. This is due to the principles of pharmacokinetics, the science that studies the passage of drugs through our bodies, from the time the active ingredient is released until the residues and metabolites generated are excreted. Just as capsules protect some drugs during their journey through our digestive system, nano-capsules (such as those used to enclose RNA in COVID-19 vaccines) protect drugs until they reach their target. These nanostructures improve drug bioavailability and can efficiently cross biological barriers. They can also be used to deliver compounds that are ineffective by other routes, often due to biodegradation processes. In addition, most nanostructures can be chemically modified to specifically target different areas of the body. This minimises side effects and problems in other organs. Some drug delivery systems are even capable of targeting specific areas within a cell, such as the nucleus, mitochondria or lysosomes. These high-precision therapies will make it possible to develop cancer drugs that are much more effective, but less dangerous and harmful to the patient.
For years, Spain has led innovation in the field of nanomedicine. Now that the technology is developed, it is time for companies and investors to bet on it. The most promising solutions should be tested in clinical studies to accelerate their entry into the market. Nanotechnology applications in medicine include diagnosis, treatment, reduction of side effects and even the enormous potential to fight more effectively against infectious organisms such as SARS-CoV-2 or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. With vaccines against COVID-19, which effectively slow the progression of the disease, we have witnessed the tremendous potential of nanotechnology. Applied to medicine, it could improve our quality of life and, at the same time, facilitate more personalised and affordable healthcare. Spain is currently one of the European leaders in nanomedicine research and has several business success stories. Now is the time to invest in transfer. The nanomedicine market is expected to continue to grow exponentially until 2025, driven by all the drugs, diagnostic tools and vaccines that are currently in the early stages of clinical trials. Spain needs to encourage the creation of new technology companies and the transfer of knowledge and know-how generated in research centres.
