Novel Discoveries and Clinical Advancements for Treating Onychomycosis: A Mechanistic Insight

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2024 Feb:205:115174. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115174. Epub 2023 Dec 29.

Abstract

Onychomycosis continues to be the most challenging disease condition for pharmaceutical scientists to develop an effective drug delivery system. Treatment challenges lie in incomplete cure and high relapse rate. Present compilation provides cumulative information on pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, and conventional treatment strategies to manage onychomycosis. Novel technologies developed for successful delivery of antifungal molecules are also discussed in brief. Multidirectional information offered by this article also unlocks the panoramic view of leading patented technologies and clinical trials. The obtained clinical landscape recommends the use of advanced technology driven approaches, as a promising way-out for treatment of onychomycosis. Collectively, present review warrants the application of novel technologies for the successful management of onychomycosis. This review will assist readers to envision a better understanding about the technologies available for combating onychomycosis. We also trust that these contributions address and certainly will encourage the design and development of nanocarriers-based delivery vehicles for effective management of onychomycosis.

Keywords: Antifungal; Nanocarriers; Onychomycosis; Transungual delivery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Onychomycosis* / diagnosis
  • Onychomycosis* / drug therapy
  • Onychomycosis* / microbiology

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents