Development, Optimization, and Evaluation of Osmotic Drug Delivery Systems For The Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease. Worldwide, approximately 1% of the population is affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptoms of arthritis are: -joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. As per various studies, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis change in a circadian fashion with the symptom severity being most during the early morning. This effect has been attributed to circadian changes in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as the nocturnal increase in the level of interleukin -6(IL-6). Low-dose synthetic glucocorticoids inhibit the circadian increase in IL-6 levels and they are found to be more effective when they are administered at 2 am. Currently, a delayed-release tablet of glucocorticoids is available, and as per various studies it is more effective than the immediate-release dosage forms but it is manufactured using the press coating technique which is complex and expensive. Formulation of an elementary osmotic tablet will provide a cheaper alternative to this product as the use of modern equipment like perforated pan coaters is more efficient and cost-effective. An osmotic drug delivery will also provide a prolonged zero-order release.