Mitochondrial drug delivery systems

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark pathological process of multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). This chapter will highlight mitochondrial dysfunction and therapeutic approaches to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics in NDs. There is a distinct focus on drug delivery systems that have unique pharmacokinetic signatures or novel formulations that can have advantages in translation. After introducing distinct deficits in mitochondrial function unique to each ND, we will highlight mitochondrial drug delivery approaches that target mitochondria through mechanisms of oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore, mitochondrial-induced apoptosis, biofuel deficiency, and mitochondrial dynamics. Completed clinical trials will be discussed throughout, and promising new mitochondrial-targeted strategies will be proposed.