Dendrimers as therapeutic agents: a systematic review

Objectives Dendrimers by virtue of their therapeutic value have recently generated enormous interest among biomedical scientists. This review describes the therapeutic prospects of the dendrimer system. Key findings Their bioactivity suggests them to be promising therapeutic agents, especially in wound healing, bone mineralisation, cartilage formation and tissue repair, and in topical treatments to prevent HIV transmission. Findings also demonstrate their potential as anti-prion, anti-Alzheimer's, anticoagulant, antidote, anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. One of the dendrimer-based formulations with activity against herpes simplex virus (VivaGel from Starpharma) has successfully completed phase I clinical trials and is expected to be available on the market soon. Summary All reports cited in this review demonstrate the use of dendrimers as medical therapeutics in different ailments. The review focuses on the current state of therapeutic potential of the dendrimer system.