Bioactive Nanoparticles for an Osteoarthritis Therapeutic

Neutralizes Reactive Oxygen Species to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Osteoarthritic Tissue

These nanoparticles break down the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during joint trauma and inflammation, thereby mitigating oxidative stress in order to treat or prevent osteoarthritis (OA) as well as other inflammatory diseases. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the initiation and propagation of osteoarthritis. The global market for osteoarthritis treatment is projected to exceed $11 billion by 2025. Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative joint disease that involves the erosion of joint cartilage and underlying bone through mechanical strain and low-grade inflammatory processes largely resulting from oxidative stress. Treatments for osteoarthritis include surgery, regular hyaluronan injections, and long-term pain medication use; however, these treatments are expensive, are often ineffective, and can also produce unwanted side effects. Small molecule antioxidants have poor bioavailability and stability and are rapidly cleared from the joint after injection. Available treatments do not effectively address the oxidative stress on tissues that leads to joint degradation and inflammation.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed bioactive manganese dioxide nanoparticles that localize to cartilage tissue and scavenge hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress, protecting the cartilage from deterioration, and decreasing the joint pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Application

Bioreactive nanoparticles that reduce oxidative stress to protect joints and treat pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis

Advantages

• Eliminates reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress and the resulting inflammation, cartilage damage and pain
• Exhibits good cytocompatibility, ensuring this therapeutic will not damage human cells
• Reduces glycosaminoglycan loss and decreases production of nitric oxide, supporting proper joint function while protecting cartilage from degradation
• Remains inside the joint space for an extended duration, enabling prolonged, more regular treatment
• Shows intracellular localization in chondrocytes, facilitating delivery of additional therapeutic agents such as nucleic acids

Technology

These bioactive nanoparticles neutralize upregulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) to relieve the oxidative stress in joint tissues that lead to osteoarthritis. The nanoparticles engineered with properties that enable colloidal stability in biological fluids, including synovial fluid in joints, and enable uptake into cartilage. Upon injection into an arthritic joint, the nanoparticles penetrate into the joint’s cartilage and catalyze the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species, relieving oxidative stress and inflammation. The nanoparticles remain in the tissue for a significant post-injection period, providing prolonged treatment for the inflammation.