HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MEDICINE

Nanotechnology as an emerging field presents a substantial potential for improvement of life via novel technologies ranging from supercomputer hardware to alternative energy sources. It is estimated that the amount of patent literature grew by 150% from 2006 to 2011. According to the US Patent Collection, the number of patents since 1975 to date is over 4,000 with approximately 10% of those being in the medical field. The spectrum of the applications in the medical field is especially exciting, as nanotechnology allows for design of novel active pharmacological ingredients and drug delivery systems presenting potential solutions for penetration of physiological barriers, drug targeting, and regulating sensitive transcription pathways. The patents and intellectual property protection has led to tremendous growth and development of various areas of medicine, such as diagnostics, imaging, and medical devices. In healthcare, the goals of the nanotechnology include improvement of quality of life and minimizing risk of off-target effects of potent medications. To accomplish that, National Nanotechnology Initiative investments are estimated to be more than $1,600 million in 2012 with more than $100 million spent toward environmental health and safety. However, growth of nanotechnology in medicine is still slower compared to other areas, such as electronics, due to the special safety considerations and approval process though the Food and Drug Administration. This work is dedicated to discussion of the current nanotechnology advances and patents pertaining to medicine and their safety implications in healthcare.