Chronic conditions are often silent but deeply impactful and cast a shadow over the lives of millions worldwide. In this exploration, we unravel the profound impact of pharmaceutical innovation on the intricate canvas of chronic disease management. In the ever-changing landscape of modern healthcare, pharmaceutical innovation emerges as a glimmer of hope, reshaping the landscape of patient care. The innovation and evolution of advanced drug delivery systems has redefined the way we approach chronic disease management.
In the world of medical innovation, size can be a very powerful ally. Nanoparticles are defined as particles that range from 1 to 100 nanometres in size [1]. These tiny particles are re-writing the rules of treatment. Nanoparticles deliver drugs and control the release of these drugs in specific tissues within the body. Liposomes, micelles, metallic and polymeric nanoparticles are among frequently utilized nanoparticulate carries in drug delivery [2].
Traditional drug delivery methods such as tablets, capsules, ointments, syrups etc have stood as stalwarts in the pharmaceutical realm for numerous decades. While these methods are dependable, they are not without their limitations. Delivery of drugs through these means may present challenges such as insufficient bio-availability, inadequate distribution in tissues, and ineffective absorption from the administration site [3]. Nanoparticles present a hopeful way to tackle these challenges and beyond. Due to their small sizes, nanoparticles can more effortlessly penetrate cells, enhancing absorption, bio-availability and stability [4]. Additionally, they are purposefully crafted to deliver drugs to target tissues in a controlled release manner [5].
Nanoparticles are currently being utilized in the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that leads to cartilage destruction, joint swelling and pain. The vast majority of drugs used in RA management are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications manage pain, reduce inflammation and decelerate the progression of the disease. However, their prolonged usage is linked to undesirable systematic side effects [2]. Methotrexate, a DMARD prescribed for RA is associated with a range of side effects, including nausea, mucosal ulcers, and the potential for liver damage [6]. Another DMARD, Tofacitinib, has been noted to carry the potential to cause upper respiratory tract infections [7]. Consequently, there is a need for inventive approaches to offer targeted responses and mitigate potential adverse effects.
Several types of nanoparticles have been discovered and investigated for their potential use in RA disease management. Liposome nanoparticles have been created, showcasing their capability to actively target pro-inflammatory macrophages, resulting in a decrease in inflammation. These liposomes are loaded with RA medications and can be chemically linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. PEG modified nanoparticles prefer to accumulate in inflamed joints, contributing to the alleviation of inflammation [8]. Moreover, ongoing research into metallic nanoparticles, including iron and gold, hold exciting prospects for their potential use in RA disease management [9].
As we delve, into this era of pharmaceutical innovation, it has become evident that nanoparticles are not merely microscopic entities but transformative agents reshaping the narrative of RA disease management. The future holds the potential for further breakthroughs as researchers continue to explore the vast possibilities in the realm of nanomedicine.
SOURCES
[1] Patra, J.K., Das, G., Fraceto, L.F., Campos, E.V.R., Rodriguez-Torres, M. del P., Acosta-Torres, L.S., Diaz-Torres, L.A., Grillo, R., Swamy, M.K., Sharma, S., Habtemariam, S. and Shin, H.-S. (2018). Nano Based Drug Delivery systems: Recent Developments and Future Prospects. Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 16(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0392-8.
[2] Dolati, S., Sadreddini, S., Rostamzadeh, D., Ahmadi, M., Jadidi-Niaragh, F. and Yousefi, M. (2016). Utilization of nanoparticle technology in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 80, pp.30–41. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.03.004.
[3] Wilczewska, A.Z., Niemirowicz, K., Markiewicz, K.H. and Car, H. (2012). Nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. Pharmacological Reports, [online] 64(5), pp.1020–1037. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1734-1140(12)70901-5.
[4] Hami, Z. (2021). A Brief Review on Advantages of Nano-based Drug Delivery Systems. Annals of Military and Health Sciences Research, In Press(In Press). doi:https://doi.org/10.5812/amh.112274.
[5] Gelperina, S., Kisich, K., Iseman, M.D. and Heifets, L. (2005). The Potential Advantages of Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems in Chemotherapy of Tuberculosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 172(12), pp.1487–1490. doi:https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.200504-613pp.
[6] Hannoodee, M. and Mittal, M. (2023). Methotrexate. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556114/.
[7] Padda, I.S., Bhatt, R. and Parmar, M. (2021). Tofacitinib. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572148/.
[8] Nasra, S., Bhatia, D.D. and Kumar, A. (2022). Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery System for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment. Nanoscale Advances. doi:https://doi.org/10.1039/d2na00229a.
[9] Zheng, M., Jia, H., Wang, H., Liu, L., He, Z., Zhang, Z., Yang, W., Gao, L., Gao, X. and Gao, F. (2021b). Application of nanomaterials in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. RSC Advances, [online] 11(13), pp.7129–7137. doi:https://doi.org/10.1039/D1RA00328C.
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