One injection could keep osteoarthritis drugs working for weeks
Scientists have created an injectable gel that can remain inside arthritic joints for weeks, slowly releasing medication while also improving lubrication. The approach could make it easier to deliver disease-modifying drugs directly where they are needed while limiting exposure elsewhere in the body.
Scientists at the University at Buffalo have created an injectable hydrogel that promises to keep osteoarthritis treatments inside the affected joint for several weeks, rather than the short-lived effects of conventional injections. This innovation could significantly improve the treatment of osteoarthritis, a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide.
The hydrogel functions as both a drug delivery system and a viscosupplement, providing a lubricious semisolid depot at body temperature that remains in the joint for an extended period. Once injected, the material transforms from a liquid into a lubricious semisolid, acting as a local drug reservoir. This depot gradually releases drug-loaded nanocarriers, allowing for controlled and prolonged exposure to therapeutic compounds.
One of the key advantages of this platform is its ability to deliver poorly soluble drugs at high concentrations, without increasing exposure to other parts of the body. The hydrogel is designed using materials with prior regulatory acceptance, making it more practical for eventual clinical translation.
In tests using a SIRT6 activator, the platform demonstrated its potential to carry hydrophobic disease-modifying compounds, offering a more effective approach to osteoarthritis treatment. The hydrogel can be adapted for various therapeutic payloads and joint applications, with the primary intended use being knee osteoarthritis. However, the same technology could also be applied to other forms of osteoarthritis, such as post-traumatic OA, intervertebral disc degeneration, and rotator cuff degeneration.
This injectable hydrogel not only offers a longer therapeutic window but also improves joint lubrication, addressing multiple aspects of osteoarthritis management. By reducing the frequency of invasive joint injections and minimizing systemic side effects, this platform could greatly enhance the quality of life for osteoarthritis patients.
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- One injection could keep osteoarthritis drugs working for weeks sciencedaily.com
