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Review
. 2025 Oct;15(10):3390-3413.
doi: 10.1007/s13346-025-01843-7. Epub 2025 Apr 17.

Unlocking the potential of remdesivir: innovative approaches to drug delivery

Maie S Taha  1 , Alaa Akram  2 , Ghada A Abdelbary  2
Affiliations
Review

Unlocking the potential of remdesivir: innovative approaches to drug delivery

Maie S Taha et al. Drug Deliv Transl Res. 2025 Oct.

Abstract

Given the recurrent waves of COVID-19 and the emergence of new viral infections, optimizing the potential of remdesivir as an antiviral agent is critical. While several reviews have explored the efficacy of remdesivir, few have comprehensively addressed its challenges, such as the necessity for intravenous infusion, suboptimal lung accumulation, and safety concerns related to its formulation. This review critically examines these challenges while proposing innovative solutions and effective combinations with other antiviral agents and repurposed drugs. By highlighting the role of complex generics, we aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy in ways not previously discussed in existing literature. Furthermore, we address the development of novel drug delivery systems which specifically aim to improve remdesivir's pharmacological profile. By analyzing recent findings, we assess both the successes and limitations of current approaches, providing insights into ongoing challenges and strategies for further optimization. This review uniquely focuses on targeted drug delivery systems and innovative formulations, thereby maximizing remdesivir's therapeutic benefits and broadening its application in combating emerging viral threats. In doing so, we fill a critical gap in literature, offering a comprehensive overview that informs future research and clinical strategies.

Keywords: Advanced drug delivery systems; Complex generics; Remdesivir; Remdesivir challenges; Remdesivir combinations; Viral infections.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval: The study did not require ethics approval. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no conflicts. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Illustrative diagram representing RDV intracellular activation
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A conceptual diagram summarizing main challenges associated with RDV therapy and potential solutions or strategies to overcome these challenges
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
An illustration showing the key cell populations targeted by RDV along with potential targeting moieties for enhanced delivery
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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