抄録
Nanomedicine uses nano-sized tools for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease and to gain increased understanding of the complex underlying pathophysiology of disease. The ultimate goal is improved quality of life. Three important areas have been identified as follows, 1) Analytical tools and diagnosis, 2) Imaging techniques from molecules to man, 3) Innovative drug delivery system, therapeutics and systems for tissue regeneration and repair. Since 1970s, liposomes, polymer micelles, antibody conjugates, nanoparticles have already designed for imaging, drug delivery, and polymer therapeutics. On the other hand, evelopments in nanosuspension are distinctly threatening the traditional paradigm in drug discovery, which is predicated on finding druggable compounds. Poor solubility and limited bioavailability are the major reasons that most compounds do not advance to lead status. Changing the rules at this stage results in a major recognition and reconceptualizing of the drug discovery process.
