Current advances in the development of novel polymeric nanoparticles for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Effective intervention is essential to combat the coming epidemic of neurodegenerative (ND) diseases. Nanomedicine can overcome restrictions of CNS delivery imposed by the bloodbrain barrier, and thus be instrumental in preclinical discovery and therapeutic intervention of ND diseases. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have shown great potential and versatility to encapsulate several compounds simultaneously in controlled drug-delivery systems and target them to the deepest brain regions. Here, we critically review recent advances in the development of drugs incorporated into PNPs and summarize the molecular changes and functional effects achieved in preclinical models of the most common ND disorders. We also briefly discuss the many challenges remaining to translate these findings and technological advances successfully to current clinical settings.The authors acknowledge the support of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Biomedical Research Net-working Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED) and European Regional Development Founds. The authors have noother relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflictwith the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.