Nature reviews materials - volume 8 issue 12, december 2023

Nanotheranostics — nanoparticle-based systems combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions — hold great promise, but their implementation in the clinic requires overcoming technical,

manufacturing, regulatory and economical challenges for their safe and effective clinical translation. The cover image shows an artist’s impression of the Valley of Death that needs to be

crossed to reach real-life therapies: the snake made out of different nanomedicines wraps around the rod of Asclepius, symbolizing healing, medicine and pharmacy to help scientists, doctors

and patients to climb up the slope. See Peter J. Gawne et al. Cover image: Jan Grimm. Cover design: David Johnston.