Evaluation of corticosteroid-releasing nano- and micro-particles for pain management in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that causes pain and stiffness, resulting in a decrease in quality of life for patients. Treatment include intra-articular administration of crystalline corticosteroids or hyaluronate. Intra-articular corticosteroids, due to the large doses required, short residence time in the joint, and crystalline structure, are associated with cartilage damage and a short duration of action requiring multiple injections. The use of intra-articular hyaluronate has conflicting clinical evidence, with some studies demonstrating an increase in adverse events, a clinically irrelevant benefit, and a short duration of action. There is thus a need for the development of new approaches for providing long-term pain relief for OA patients (>26 weeks) while limiting chondrotoxicity. The objective of the proposed project is to develop novel corticosteroid releasing technologies that have been processed in the form of nano- and micro-particles to be administered intra-articularly to provide long-term, sustained pain release for OA patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Margarete Akens

Student:

Melissa Prickaerts

Partner:

Interface Biologics Inc.

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Medical devices

University:

Program: