ATHANA: How nanoparticles can combat dangerous fungal infections in a targeted and controlled manner

Infectious diseases caused by fungi are a particular and often underestimated problem. Systemic fungal infections are on the rise and pose a major challenge to modern medicine, as they are often diagnosed too late and treatment options are limited.

The Athana alliance has set itself the specific goal of developing an active substance-loaded nanoparticle that can recognize pathogen-specific structures and thus attack pathogens in a targeted manner. The packaging of the active ingredient in a "nanocarrier" is also intended to prevent premature degradation and ensure controlled release only at the intended site of action. This is intended to increase efficacy and reduce systemic side effects.