An overview of hydrogel-based intra-articular drug delivery for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Injectable materials like hydrogels could enhance drug delivery for knee osteoarthritis treatment.

• Intra-articular injection is an emerging method for treating knee osteoarthritis that aims to reduce systemic toxicity.
• Traditional oral drugs lack sustained release when delivered via intra-articular injection.
• Hydrogels and hydrogel microspheres are being studied for their potential in maximizing local drug effects and prolonging retention time.
• The review summarizes various hydrogel types and their characteristics, as well as the types of drugs, proteins, and cells used in these delivery systems.
• There is a potential for novel hydrogel-based systems to improve treatment outcomes for knee osteoarthritis.

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