Superseding the Hourglass Effect Toward the Successful Commercialization of Nanotechnology in the Medical Sciences - We Require a Change in Perspective.

Nanotechnology and, specifically, nanomedicine has been touted as the next breakthrough technology for medical sciences. Although there are large advances being seen in the preclinical phases of development, there is still a paucity of viable and effective nanomedicine technologies in the clinical setting. We attempt to provide some suggestions as to the stumbling blocks of meaningful translation of this technology from the bench to the bedside. We give due consideration to the role of evidence-based medicine, regulatory pathways, and the commercialization efforts of nanomedicine at various stages in playing key roles in moving this technology into clinical use.