News Desk
New Delhi — A team of Indian researchers has developed a groundbreaking drug delivery system that could transform the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a painful autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.
The innovation, created by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali, responds to inflammation in the joints, releasing medication only when needed. This targeted approach could reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes, a sharp contrast to conventional therapies that require frequent dosing and often affect the entire body.
At the core of the system are microscopic spheres infused with methotrexate, a widely used arthritis drug. These spheres are designed to sense biochemical changes in inflamed joints, releasing the medication in response to enzymes that appear during flare-ups.
“In essence, the system acts like an intelligent courier, delivering the drug precisely where and when it is needed,” said Dr. Rahul Kumar Verma, who led the research team.
The microspheres are built using a polymer-lipid hybrid structure, combining soya lecithin for efficient drug encapsulation and gelatin for responsiveness to inflammation-related enzymes. In animal trials, this approach significantly reduced swelling, pain, and cartilage damage while promoting joint repair.
Published in Biomaterial Advances, the study suggests the system could offer long-lasting relief with fewer doses, minimizing both discomfort and systemic toxicity. Researchers also believe it could be adapted to treat other inflammatory conditions, such as synovitis and inflammatory bowel disease.
By harnessing the body’s own biochemical signals, the innovation marks a step toward smarter, more personalized treatments—not just for arthritis, but for a range of chronic diseases.
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