Development of liver cell-targeted drug delivery systems: experimental approaches

The review is devoted to liver cell-targeted drug delivery systems. Primary attention is paid to the therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis (A G), cholangiocarcinoma, autoimmune liver diseases and some metabolic disorders. A general overview, modern classification and specific features of drug delivery systems are presented. The key characteristics and parameters of these systems and their advantages and restrictions for clinical applications are discussed. A considerable body of information is presented as summary tables convenient for perception and comparison. The data presented are critically analyzed and an expert evaluation of the therapeutic potential of the drug delivery systems in question is given. Discussion of invasive local delivery approaches, transmembrane systems and implants, as well as prodrugs is beyond the scope of the review, except for a few examples. The bibliography includes 344 references.