cholestosome

Cholestosome is a novel lipid-based nanoparticle drug delivery platform composed entirely of cholesteryl esters. Unlike traditional liposomes, which are primarily made of phospholipids, Cholestosomes are highly stable and capable of protecting sensitive therapeutic payloads from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, making them particularly suitable for oral administration. The technology is designed for the intracellular targeting of therapeutic agents, such as zinc ions (Zn2+) or insulin. In antiviral research, Cholestosomes have been used to encapsulate Zn2+ to bypass cellular regulation mechanisms and achieve effective intracellular concentrations that inhibit viral replication. Experimental models have demonstrated its potential against pathogens like the human betacoronavirus OC43, showing significant reductions in viral load compared to unencapsulated treatments.