Injectable Drug Delivery Systems for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint diseases are one of the most common causes of morbidity and disability worldwide. The main diseases that affect joint cartilage are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which require chronic treatment focused on symptomatic relief. Conventional drugs administered through systemic or intra-articular routes have low accumulation and/or retention in articular cartilage, causing dose-limiting toxicities and reduced efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop improved strategies for drug delivery, in particular, the use of micro- and nanotechnology-based methods. Encapsulation of therapeutic agents in delivery systems reduces drug efflux from the joint and protects against rapid cellular and enzymatic clearance following intra-articular injection. Consequently, the use of drug delivery systems decreases side effects and increases therapeutic efficacy due to enhanced drug retention in the infra-articular space. Additionally, the frequency of intra-articular administration is reduced, as delivery systems enable sustained drug release. This review summarizes various advanced drug delivery systems, such as nano- and microcarriers, developed for articular cartilage diseases.

Automated summary

Joint diseases are a major cause of global morbidity and disability. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the main diseases affecting joint cartilage, requiring long-term treatment for symptom relief. There is an urgent need for improved drug delivery strategies, particularly those based on micro- and nanotechnology. Encapsulation of therapeutic agents in delivery systems reduces drug efflux and protects against rapid clearance in the joint. The use of drug delivery systems can decrease side effects, increase therapeutic efficacy, and reduce the frequency of intra-articular administration.