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Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Systemic and Local Drug Delivery for Treating Diseases of the Central Nervous System in Rodent Models
Published on: August 16, 2010
Intra-articular drug delivery systems for joint diseases
Muhammad Farooq Rai1, Christine Tn Pham2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8233, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8233, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
Intra-articular (IA) injections directly deliver high concentrations of therapeutics to the joint space and are routinely used in various musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, current IA-injected drugs are rapidly cleared and do not significantly affect the course of joint disease. In this review, we highlight recent developments in IA therapy, with a special emphasis on current and emerging therapeutic carriers and their potential to deliver disease-modifying treatment modalities for arthritis. Recent IA approaches concentrate on platforms that are safe with efficient tissue penetration, and readily translatable for controlled and sustained delivery of therapeutic agents. Gene therapy delivered by viral or non-viral vectors and cell-based therapy for cartilage preservation and regeneration are being intensively explored.
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