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Emerging pharmaceutical therapeutics and delivery technologies for osteoarthritis therapy
Cheng-Yu Shentu1, Ge Yan1, Dong-Chen Xu1
1College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint degenerative diseases in the world. At present, the management of OA depends on the lifestyle modification and joint replacement surgery, with the lifespan of prosthesis quite limited yet. Effective drug treatment of OA is essential. However, the current drugs, such as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, as well as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, are accompanied by obvious side effects, with the therapeutic efficacy to be enhanced. Recently, novel reagents such as IL-1 antagonists and nerve growth factor inhibitors have entered clinical trials. Moreover, increasing evidence demonstrated that active ingredients of natural plants have great potential for treating OA. Meanwhile, the use of novel drug delivery strategies may overcome the shortcomings of conventional preparations and enhance the bioavailability of drugs, as well as decrease the side effects significantly. This review therefore summarizes the pathological mechanisms, management strategies, and research progress in the drug molecules including the newly identified active ingredient derived from medicinal plants for OA therapy, with the drug delivery technologies also summarized, with the expectation to provide the summary and outlook for developing the next generation of drugs and preparations for OA therapy.
Insights
Osteoarthritis (OA) management needs better drugs. This review explores natural plant compounds and advanced drug delivery for effective OA treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce side effects.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Rheumatology
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease with limited effective drug treatments.
- Current OA therapies, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and supplements, have side effects and limited efficacy.
- Novel treatments like IL-1 antagonists and NGF inhibitors are emerging, alongside interest in natural products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current pathological mechanisms and management strategies for Osteoarthritis.
- To summarize research progress on drug molecules, particularly natural plant-derived compounds, for OA therapy.
- To discuss novel drug delivery technologies for enhancing OA treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of Osteoarthritis pathology, current treatments, and emerging therapeutic agents.
- Analysis of research on active ingredients from medicinal plants with potential OA therapeutic effects.
- Evaluation of advanced drug delivery systems for improving drug bioavailability and minimizing adverse effects in OA treatment.
Main Results:
- Current OA drugs have significant limitations in efficacy and safety.
- Natural plant-derived compounds show promise for OA treatment.
- Novel drug delivery strategies can overcome conventional preparation shortcomings and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Effective drug treatment for Osteoarthritis is crucial and requires further development.
- Natural products and innovative drug delivery systems represent promising avenues for next-generation OA therapies.
- This review provides a summary and outlook for developing improved OA drugs and preparations.
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