Nanotechnology-based drug delivery for targeted therapy of autoimmune arthritis improves the therapeutic profile of anti-arthritis drugs

Abstract Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the major human autoimmune diseases, and it affects over 1 percent of population. Although many anti-arthritis drugs are available for RA therapy, their long-term use may lead to severe adverse effects. This, combined with high cost newer drugs, poses a hurdle effective control as well patient compliance therapeutic regimens. Therefore, novel treatment modalities required overcome these limitations. In this context, we have developed nanotechnology-based drug delivery system targeted therapy arthritic inflammation. Liposomal entrapment increases shelf-life in vivo, whereas display joint-homing peptide ligand on liposomal surface aids guiding them site One such (denoted ART-1) was previously identified by us phage peptide-display library screening Lewis rats. When administered subcutaneously or intravenously, fluorescence-labeled ART-1 shows preferential homing joints compared normal (control) joints. We exploited experimental dexamethasone (Dex) using rat adjuvant (AA) model. At time onset AA, rats were treated Dex, unpackaged (free) vehicle alternate days. All observed graded regularly severity. Sera obtained at terminal step tested panel enzymes indicating tissue/organ toxicity. Dex showed improved profile (efficacy/toxicity ratio) that free Dex. propose ligand-targeted approach can be adapted RA. "Supported grants from NIH (R01 AT004321), Veterans Affairs (5 I01 BX002424) Silo Pharma"