Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune ailment where the body's defense
system is violated by damaging its joints. In RA treatment strategies, attempts have been
made for oral, topical, and parenteral formulations with different drugs, but none of the formulations
could be regarded as the perfect dosage form. In the current review, the meticulous discussion
has been made on the suitability of novel topical formulations in the treatment of RA. Moreover,
the emphasis has been made on activities of biodegradable polymers such as hyaluronic acid,
lecithin, pluronic acid, chitosan, human serum albumin (HSA), and polylactide glycolic acid (PLGA)
as well as their role in the management of RA.
Objective: The study aimed to apprehend the role of polymeric materials in developing an ideal topical
drug delivery system that can bestow targeted delivery, enhanced penetration of drugs, improved
stability of the formulation, and improved PKPD profile of the drugs.
These polymers possess twofold functions, primarily by increasing skin penetration and secondarily
by improving joint mobility and cartilage regeneration. Furthermore, biocompatibility and
biodegradability are features that increase the use of the aforementioned polymers.
Results: The significant role of all the polymers in improving the conditions of bones and joints
suffering from rheumatoid arthritis has been demonstrated by various studies.
Keywords:
Polymer, topical, biocompatible, biodegradable, cartilage regeneration, rheumatoid Arthritis.
Graphical Abstract
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