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Recent advancements in microspheres mediated targeted delivery for therapeutic interventions in osteoarthritis
1Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
Osteoarthritis (OA), affecting around 240 million people globally is a major threat. Currently, available drugs only treat the symptoms of OA; they cannot reverse the disease's progression. The delivery of drugs to afflicted joints is challenging because of poor vasculature of articular cartilage results in their less bioavailability and quick elimination from the joints. Recently approved drugs such as KGN and IL-1 receptor antagonists also encounter challenges because of inadequate formulations. Therefore, microspheres could be a potential player for the intervention of OA owing to its excellent physicochemical properties. This review primarily focuses on microspheres of distinct biomaterials acting as cargo for drugs and biologicals via different delivery routes in the effective management of OA. Microspheres can improve the efficacy of therapeutics by targeting strategies at specific body locations. This review also highlights clinical trials conducted in the last few decades.
Insights
Microspheres offer a promising solution for osteoarthritis (OA) by improving drug delivery to joints. This review explores how these advanced delivery systems can enhance therapeutic efficacy for OA management.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 240 million globally, with current treatments only managing symptoms, not disease progression.
- Articular cartilage's poor vasculature hinders drug bioavailability and leads to rapid elimination, complicating effective OA treatment.
- Existing OA drugs, including KGN and IL-1 receptor antagonists, face formulation challenges impacting their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of microspheres as a drug delivery system for effective osteoarthritis (OA) management.
- To explore various biomaterials used in microspheres for delivering drugs and biologicals for OA.
- To highlight the role of microspheres in improving therapeutic efficacy through targeted delivery strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of microsphere-based therapies for OA.
- Analysis of distinct biomaterials utilized in microsphere formulations.
- Examination of different drug delivery routes and targeting strategies for OA intervention.
- Review of clinical trials related to microsphere applications in OA over recent decades.
Main Results:
- Microspheres demonstrate excellent physicochemical properties suitable for OA intervention.
- Targeting strategies using microspheres can significantly improve therapeutic efficacy in OA management.
- Various biomaterials are being explored for microsphere development to overcome current drug delivery limitations.
Conclusions:
- Microspheres represent a viable platform for advancing OA treatment beyond symptom management.
- Optimized microsphere formulations can enhance drug bioavailability and prolong residence time in afflicted joints.
- Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully realize the therapeutic potential of microspheres in OA.
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