Antibiotic-nanomedicines: facing the challenge of effective treatment of antibiotic-resistant respiratory tract infections

Respiratory tract infections are one of the most frequent infections worldwide, with an increasing number being associated with (multiple) antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Improved treatment requires the development of new therapeutic strategies, including the possible development of antibiotic-nanomedicines. Antibiotic-nanomedicines comprise antibiotic molecules coupled to nanocarriers via surface adsorption, surface attachment, entrapment or conjugation and can be administered via aerosolization. The efficacy and tolerability of this approach has been shown in clinical studies, with amikacin liposome inhalation suspension being the first inhalatory antibiotic-nanomedicine approved by the US FDA. In this special report, we summarize and discuss the potential value and the clinical status of antibiotic-nanomedicines for the treatment of (antibiotic-resistant) respiratory tract infections.