Nanoparticles increase osteoarthritis pain-relief drug retention

Using nanoparticles to deliver osteoarthritis drugs to the knee joint could help increase the retention of the drug in the knee cavity, according to researchers at Bend Research and Pfizer.

Tests have shows that 70 per cent of the drug nanoparticles remain in the knee cavity after one week, extending the length of time needed in between injections and staving off pain for longer.

Lead researcher on the project Dr Michael Morgen stated: "We hope that this type of sustained release technology, when used with current or new osteoarthritis drugs, will allow patients to be effectively treated with drug injections every three months instead of once a week."

Osteoarthritis is characterised by progressive erosion of articular cartilage and mainly effects older adults.

The disease limits mobility and is the leading cause of an inability to engage in daily activities.

There is currently no cure for the illness, but many researchers advocate exercise, physiotherapy, and acupuncture to ease symptoms, in conjunction with prescribed medication.

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