In News:

Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed an innovative “self-actuating” drug delivery system that targets rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by delivering therapeutic agents only when needed. This approach offers a revolutionary alternative to conventional systemic treatments.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• Definition: RA is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, particularly the joints, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
• Commonly Affected Areas: Hands, wrists, and knees — often multiple joints simultaneously.
• Symptoms:
  • Inflammation of joint lining
  • Chronic pain and joint deformity
  • Unsteadiness or balance issues
  • May affect lungs, heart, and eyes
• Cause: The exact cause remains unknown, but it involves an immune response attacking the body’s own tissues.
• Traditional Treatment:
  • Involves Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate
  • Requires frequent dosing
  • May lead to systemic side effects and inefficient drug retention

Breakthrough: Self-Actuating Drug Delivery System

Key Features:

• Targeted Drug Release: Releases medication only in response to biochemical signals in the inflamed synovial environment of RA-affected joints.
• Precision and Safety: Reduces side effects by limiting drug release to flare-ups, minimizing exposure to unaffected areas.
• Main Drug Used: Methotrexate, a widely used anti-rheumatic drug.

Mechanism:

• Microspheres are engineered using polymer-lipid hybrid micro-composites:
  • Lipid Component (Soya Lecithin): Ensures high drug encapsulation efficiency.
  • Polymer Component (Gelatin): Reacts to Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) — enzymes present during RA inflammation.
• Action:
  • Enzymes like MMP-2 and MMP-9 increase during RA flare-ups.
  • These enzymes cleave the gelatin, triggering controlled, pulsatile release of methotrexate.
• Outcome in Animal Studies:
  • Reduced joint swelling and cartilage damage
  • Promoted joint repair
  • Improved drug bioavailability and retention in joints

Significance

• Improved Patient Outcomes:
  • Long-lasting relief with fewer doses
  • Reduced systemic toxicity
  • Personalized therapy based on inflammation levels
  • Enhanced joint function and slower disease progression
• Research Publication: The findings were published in the journal Biomaterial Advances.

Wider Applications

• Potential Use in:
  • Other inflammatory conditions like synovitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Veterinary medicine for arthritis in animals
  • Regenerative medicine and personalized drug delivery