Localized and targeted delivery of NSAIDs for treatment of inflammation: A review

Inflammatory processes are increasingly being identified at the core of many different disease states (e.g. heart disease, cancer, diabetes). As such, anti-inflammatory strategies available through drug delivery have undergone renewed interest. Due to the systemic side effects of steroidal drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often preferred for long-term treatment of inflammation in a variety of applications. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are generally safe, there are some serious side effects that can be associated with their usage, particularly when given systemically or orally. Due to the high number of patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the reduction or elimination of these side effects, such as is possible through local drug delivery, could have a very powerful effect on patient quality of life. This review comments on a sampling of existing methods for localized or targeted delivery of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with the goal of helping future research groups to focus on bettering methods shown to be effective and filling the gaps of knowledge in this field. Additionally, commentary is made on the field as a whole, and the standardization issues that arise from its expansiveness and diversity.