Pluronic block copolymers in drug delivery: from micellar nanocontainers to biological response modifiers

Abstract

Pluronic block copolymers are recognized pharmaceutical excipients listed in the US and British Pharmacopoeia. The incorporation of drugs into Pluronic micelles results in increased solubility and stability of drugs. Consequently, the micelles are used for delivery of drugs in the body. Pluronic unimers sensitize multidrug-resistant cells by inhibiting drug efflux transporters. This allows for the development of formulations for the treatment of multidrug-resistant and metastatic tumors. Furthermore, these formulations can be used to enhance brain and oral bioavailability of various drugs. Finally, Pluronic formulations were shown to enhance transgene expression in the body. This opens new possibilities for the use of Pluronic in gene therapies.