Synergistically engineered nanotransethosomes for co-delivery of methotrexate and baicalin for enhanced transdermal delivery against rheumatoid arthritis: formulation, characterisation and in vivo pharmacodynamic evaluation

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected. Owing to the complex pathophysiology of RA, it is not possible for any singular treatment to entirely impede the progression of the disease. Hence, the current study aimed to adopt a holistic and synergistic approach towards the management of RA by means of a co-delivery strategy involving methotrexate (MTH), a conventional slow-acting anti-rheumatic drug, and baicalin (BCN), a bioactive phytochemical using a transethosomal (TRS) gel formulation.