The Application of Novel Drug Delivery Systems in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, and abnormal bone remodeling. Current therapies, such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid injections, primarily alleviate symptoms but often cause systemic side effects and fail to modify disease progression. Novel drug delivery systems (NDDS), including liposomes, polymer microspheres, nanoparticles, hydrogels, and biomimetic carriers, have emerged to enhance drug targeting, prolong retention, and reduce toxicity. These systems enable controlled release of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gene therapies, improving therapeutic outcomes. However, challenges remain in biocompatibility, scalability, and clinical translation. Future efforts should focus on optimizing material design, functionality, and personalized approaches to facilitate the clinical application of NDDS for OA treatment.