Cyclodextrins in oligonucleotide delivery

The aim of this contribution is to summarize recent findings on the potential use of cyclodextrins and their derivatives as carriers for oligonucleotide agents. Their peculiar properties could be exploited in such an emerging therapeutic area by virtue of their capability of interacting with cellular membranes, thus giving rise to improved cellular uptake. In particular, some specific derivatives could be considered as promising future excipients for the delivery of ‘naked’ antisense and/or decoy oligonucleotides which are difficult to formulate with existing pharmaceutical excipients.