Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized as an autoimmune and inflammatory condition, wherein the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells within the body, leading to inflammation in the affected areas. The primary targets of RA are the joints, often affecting multiple joints simultaneously [1]. In the relentless battle against rheumatoid arthritis, a newly synthesized drug delivery system, combined with the power of anti-inflammatory drugs emerges as a ray of hope. As a promising breakthrough, this innovative approach has the power to reshape rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Rheumatoid arthritis, characterized by pain and damage to joint tissue, has long lacked a definitive cure. However, a group of scientists headed by Dr. Rehan Khan, along with Senior Research Fellow Mr. Akshay Vyawahare, from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali have made significant strides toward a solution. They combined anti-inflammatory drugs, 9-aminoacridine (9AA) and caffeic acid (CA), into nano-micelles, resulting in achieving remarkable therapeutic effects. This remarkable drug-delivery system specifically blocked inflammatory mediators, preventing joint damage and protecting cartilage. With the activation of the NR4A1 gene (Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4 Group A Member), the treatment exhibited short-term eradication and long-term protection from the disease. This breakthrough offers hope for a transformative approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment, by demonstrating both short-term (21 days) eradication of the disease and long-term (45 days) safeguarding against its recurrence, potentially revolutionizing the lives of those affected by the condition [2].
This innovative system exhibits cost-effectiveness, and safety, while also possessing considerable potential for practical application. The nano-formulation, a novel method of drug administration that is non-toxic and easy to manipulate, has been tested on rats and published in ACS Nano and holds promising prospects for offering sustained relief to a large number of individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in the future.
By effectively suppressing the severity of the disease, this seamless blend of biocompatible drug delivery and targeted anti-inflammatory medications offers a synergistic therapeutic strategy along with heightening treatment efficacy while reducing side effects, and fostering enhanced quality of life for individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis.
(The article is written by Dr.Subita Alagh, Senior Executive, and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Senior Health Content Editor)
References
1. CDC: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
2. Newly synthesized biocompatible drug delivery system combined with anti-inflammatory drugs brings a potential solution for rheumatoid arthritis
https://dst.gov.in/newly-synthesised-biocompatible-drug-delivery-system-combined-anti-inflammatory-drugs-brings