# Ticagrelor-Loaded Phospholipid–Polyoxyethylene Hybrid Nanocarriers: Enhanced Solubility and Efficacy Against SARS-CoV-2

## TL;DR

Researchers developed nanocarriers to improve the solubility and effectiveness of ticagrelor, an existing drug, against SARS-CoV-2.

## Contribution

A novel hybrid nanocarrier formulation significantly enhances ticagrelor's solubility and antiviral efficacy.

## Key findings

- Hybrid nanocarriers achieved up to 90% drug dissolution in 5 hours.
- Formulation F2.12 showed lower cytotoxicity and higher antiviral potency than ticagrelor powder.
- The nanocarriers offer a promising platform for improved antiviral therapies.

## Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 poses significant global health challenges, necessitating effective antiviral strategies. Ticagrelor, an FDA-approved antiplatelet drug, has shown potential against SARS-CoV-2 but suffers from low solubility and bioavailability. This study aims to develop and characterize ticagrelor-loaded hybrid nanocarriers using polyoxyethylene 40 stearate and soya lecithin to enhance drug solubility and antiviral efficacy. Methods: Ticagrelor-loaded hybrid nanocarriers were prepared using the thin-film hydration technique with varying molar ratios of polyoxyethylene 40 stearate and soya lecithin. Characterization included particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, in vitro release profiles, and cytotoxicity and antiviral assays against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-E6 cells. Results: The hybrid nanocarriers exhibited particle sizes ranging from 90 nm to 2459 nm and zeta potentials between −36.7 mV and −41.7 mV. Formulation F2.12 demonstrated the highest drug release (90% dissolution in 5 h) and the lowest cytotoxicity and antiviral concentration (CC50 and IC50 values), significantly surpassing the efficacy of ticagrelor in powder form. Conclusions: The developed ticagrelor-loaded hybrid nanocarriers significantly enhance the drug’s solubility and efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, providing a promising platform for improved antiviral therapies. These findings indicate potential clinical applications in addressing the limitations of conventional formulations in treating COVID-19 and similar viral infections. Further studies are warranted to explore their therapeutic potential.