The potential and the pitfalls of nanomedicine

(Nanowerk Spotlight) For centuries, man has searched for miracle cures to end suffering caused by disease and injury. Many researchers believe nanotechnology may be mankind’s first “giant step” toward this goal. Whether these beliefs are based on facts or hope, many corporations and governments are willing to invest a great deal of money to find out what happens when nanotechnology is used for medical applications – the emerging field of nanomedicine. Hundreds of millions, if not billions of dollars have been invested by governments, such as the U.S. National Cancer Institute, and the private sector in nanomedicine research and nanotech-related life sciences ventures. The 2008 budget of the U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative provides more than $200 million for the National Institutes of Health. The European Union, particularly Germany and the UK, and Japan are also investing heavily in this field. It is difficult to find fault with a technology that promises to cure cancer almost before it starts and prevent the spread of AIDS and other infectious diseases. Scientists around the globe are searching for ways to exploit nanoparticles to improve human health. However, there are toxicological concerns and ethical issues that come with nanomedicine and they have to be addressed alongside the benefits. The medical advances that may be possible through nanotechnology range from diagnostic to therapeutic, and everything in between.

Nanowerk Spotlight

The issue of safety is a global concern. In Europe, the SCENIHR Report (pdf download, 234 KB) and the white paper Nanotechnology Risk Governance (pdf download, 1.2 MB) published in June 2006 by the International Risk Governance Council address the issue. Both reports emphasize the lack of data on potential risks associated with nanomedicine and nanotechnology with regard to the human-health and ecological consequences of nanoparticles accumulating in the environment.

(The Ethical aspects of Nanomedicine; pdf download, 1.5 MB)