New viruses are always emerging, endangering global health systems.
Uncontrolled epidemics have the potential to develop into pandemics that severely
impact our healthcare and financial infrastructures as we have faced COVID-19. Viral
illnesses kill millions of people worldwide each year. There are several limitations and
problems with the antiviral treatment that need to be fixed right away. These include
resistance situations, increased dosage and frequency of administration, bioavailability
problems, non-specificity, etc. The advancement of nanomedicine could aid in
overcoming these challenges. To reduce the previously described adverse effects of
antiviral treatment, current research emphasizes the need for a greater understanding of
the potential and precise application of diverse lipid, polymer, nanoparticles, and
elemental-based nanoformulations. Since there is presently no globally approved
treatment for viral infection, which contributes to the rapid spread of viruses and the
growing need for prompt action, drug repurposing has emerged as one of the primary
strategies in the battle against viral infection. Repurposed drugs are currently being
tried against viral infection to control hyper-inflammation and an overreaction to the
immune system in cases of severe sickness or to address the replication and spread of
the virus. Nanotechnology may be able to address several issues with traditional
antiviral therapies. For example, the pharmacokinetic profile of antiviral drugs can be
greatly enhanced while reducing their systemic toxicity by employing nano-delivery
vehicles. Another unique nanomaterial's virucidal or virus-neutralizing properties may
be put to use.
Keywords: Drug repositioning, Nanomedicine, Nano drug delivery, Virucidal formulations.
