Nanomedicine for Intra-Articular Drug Delivery in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation within the joint. Recent developments in the understanding of inflammation have led to an increased interest in the use of nanomedicine in the treatment and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The ability of nanomedicine, such as nanoparticles, to permeate into and/or retain within the inflamed joint after intravenous and/or intra-articular administration has proven to be beneficial in improving rheumatoid arthritis therapy while reducing systemic exposure of patients to potentially toxic anti-arthritic drugs. This review aims at explaining the major applications of nanomedicine in rheumatoid arthritis treatment and diagnosis. Keywords: Anti-arthritic drugs, Chronic inflammation, Extravasation through leaky vasculature, Inflamed joint, Nanoparticles, Monoclonal antibodies, siRNA.