Biocompatible, controlled-release remdesivir-loaded liposomes tackling the telomerase activity of Non-Small cell lung cancer cells: Preparation, characterization, in vitro biological evaluation, and molecular docking analysis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a global leading cause of cancer mortality. Herein, remdesivir (RDV) was loaded into biocompatible liposomes (RDV-Lips) composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn‑glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), cholesterol, and polyethylene glycol hexadecyl ether (Brij-58) to enhance its solubility and anticancer efficiency. The study highlighted the possible RDV-induced underlying events, emphasizing its inhibitory potential of telomerase activity through in-silico docking and in vitro studies. RDV-Lips were developed using thin-film hydration and then subjected to physicochemical characterizations. The selected formulations were evaluated for their stability, in vitro release, and in vitro anticancer activity. The size range of RDV-Lips was 83.8–157.9 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) lower than 0.23 and entrapment exceeded 93%. The cholesterol content of RDV-Lips offered a control point of RDV release, where high and low concentrations exerted slow and fast release patterns, respectively. RDV-Lips showed enhanced anticancer activity and selectivity. They inhibited colony formation, increased lipid peroxidation, induced apoptosis, and inhibited the telomerase activity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, RDV-Lips overcame RDV solubility problems and enhanced its anticancer efficiency. RDV could be a potential therapy against NSCLC via induction of oxidative stress and inhibition of the telomerase activity, which, in turn, restricts unlimited cellular proliferation and apoptosis induction.