Microsponge Drug Delivery Systems: Advancing Methotrexate Delivery for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management

Abstract

An estimated 23 million individuals worldwide suffer with rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating inflammatory illness with a prevalence incidence of 0.5–1%. This chronic illness mostly affects synovial joints, causing inflammation, joint degeneration, and bone erosion. Patients suffer from a very low quality of life, and the condition has a significant socioeconomic impact. The pathophysiology of RA is caused by a complicated interaction between genetic and environmental variables that disrupt the control of the immune system. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β are important inflammatory mediators that cause bone resorption and joint degeneration as the illness progresses. Microsponge drug delivery systems have been developed as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of methotrexate, which is a cornerstone in RA treatment. These systems offer controlled release, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery to inflamed joints while minimizing systemic toxicity. Microsponge drug delivery systems can be formulated as topical gels, creams, patches, or injectable hydrogels, which allows for a variety of administration routes. Microsponge drug delivery systems are known for offering benefits of delivering methotrexate drugs by sustaining its release, providing reduced dosing, stability in the drug itself, and causing less side effect. Some challenges of microsponge drug delivery systems include a complicated manufacturing process, scalability issues, and regulatory problems that hamper its application in the clinic. In order to prove the safety and effectiveness of microsponge drug delivery systems, future research will concentrate on refining their composition, developing scalable production methods, and conducting extensive clinical studies. Innovation will keep developing, and by enhancing patient adherence, therapeutic results, and the quality of life for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, microsponge drug delivery systems have the potential to completely transform the way this chronic illness is treated.