A syringe of nanoparticles directly into the affected joints raises hope in sufferers Osteoarthritis: Therapy not only stabilizes osteoarthritis, but can restore joint function, according to studies from the University of Geneva
Researchers have turned to drugs that have already undergone clinical trials, but failed there due to side effects.Patients had to take oral drugs in these studies .As a result, only a small amount of the ingredient Active ts actually worked in the affected joint
If we release the active ingredient exactly where we want, we can significantly reduce the dose and avoid the side effects.
Eric Allemann, Study Director 19659014] "If we release the active ingredient exactly where we want it, we can drastically reduce the dose and avoid the side effects," said Eric Allemann, professor of pharmacy at the University of Geneva
injected directly into the joint
Specifically, scientists in Geneva devoted themselves to cartagenin a molecule capable of regenerating cartilage. Cartogenin is trapped as a nanocrystal in microparticles. These microparticles, composed of biodegradable polymer can be injected directly into the joint
These microparticles remain there for several months and gradually release the cartagenin. This in turn reconstructs the cartilaginous tissue. Nanocrystals can deliver the drug over a longer period without causing inflammation.
Mice succeeded
"The goal is not only to stabilize the joint, but to make it fully functional," said Pierre Maudens, lead author of several newspaper articles "Drug Discovery Today", "Small", "Journal of Controlled Release" and "Nanoscale". This has already been done in experiments on mice.
Scientists also adopted hyaluronic acid which is already used today to lubricate arthritic joints to some extent. This relieves pain, but has no therapeutic effect.
Like a ball bearing
In the body, hyaluronic acid breaks down quickly because of certain enzymes. Researchers have now changed their polymer chains to organize at the nanometer temperature at body temperature. As a result, hyaluronic acid no longer behaves like a lubricant, but rather as a ball bearing that is retained in the body because the enzymes can no longer damage it. This development could reduce the number of injections needed to treat osteoarthritis, according to the researchers.
