Atherosclerosis is fundamentally an inflammatory lipid-driven disease of the arterial intima. Next-generation biotechnology approaches focus on actively stabilizing vulnerable fibroatheromas and clearing lipid necrotic cores.
Targeted Macrophage Nanomedicine
Biocompatible nanoparticles engineered with scavenger receptor ligands selectively accumulate in inflamed arterial plaques. Upon endocytosis by lipid-laden foam cells, these nanocarriers deliver anti-inflammatory siRNA or LXR agonists, stimulating reverse cholesterol transport and reducing necrotic core volume.
Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) Gene Silencing: Inclisiran and Beyond
Targeted siRNA conjugates (GalNAc-siRNA) specifically silence hepatic PCSK9 mRNA translation, maintaining low LDL-C receptor recycling cycles and providing sustained 50%+ LDL-C reductions with twice-yearly subcutaneous administration.