Drug Delivery Nanoparticles That Improve Efficacy of Drugs for Osteoarthritis

Adheres to Cartilage Surface to Sustain Drug Localization for Better Therapeutic Effect

These biodegradable drug nanocarriers adhere to the extracellular matrix of cartilage, improving drug efficacy in joints during surgery or arthroscopy for those with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by the degeneration of cartilage in any joints in the body. This disease affects approximately 27 million Americans and has no cure. Available intra-articular medications for osteoarthritis are largely unsuccessful because they clear from the joint before the therapy can take full effect.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a site-specific drug delivery platform that binds directly to cartilage tissue after direct application. Within this therapy lies a strategic solution for prolonging drug retention in the targeted cartilage, enhancing the efficacy of osteoarthritis drug candidates.

Application

Drug delivery nanoparticles improve retention and targeting of osteoarthritis therapeutics

Advantages

• Improves drug efficacy, minimizing dosing requirements and lowering costs
• Presents an opportunity for early intervention in high-risk patients, potentially preventing the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and other joint diseases
• Utilizes a direct application mechanism to apply drug onto the cartilage surface during arthroscopy, minimizing adverse off-target drug interactions and effects
• Amendable for delivery of a wide range of drugs, proteins, and nucleic acids, giving rise to more efficient OA drugs

Technology

This drug delivery platform comprises biodegradable drug nanocarriers functionalized to bind to the extracellular matrix of cartilage or adhere to cartilage surfaces when directly applied. Because they adhere to the cartilage with the help of a polymer sealant, the nanoparticles are sealed in place with the drug, which enables sustained drug localization at target tissue sites. Researchers envision surgeons would paint or spray these drug delivery nanoparticles into joints during surgery or arthroscopy to minimize or eliminate the need for intra-articular drug injections. Ultimately, this site-specific drug delivery platform could improve the retention of drugs in the cartilage at effective concentrations. It can also minimize off-target effects and lower drug dosing requirements.