Niosomal-based drug delivery system: A novel target strategy for the treatment of arthritis

Arthritis is one or more joints that are swollen and sore. Joint stiffness and pain are the primary symptoms of arthritis, and they usually get worse with age. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The firm, slick substance called cartilage, which covers the ends of bones where they meet to create joints, deteriorates as a result of osteoarthritis. The illness known as rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system targets the joints, starting with the joint lining. Niosomal drug delivery system is one of the best examples of great evolution in drug delivery technology. The main composition of niosomes is cholesterol and non-ionic surfactants which act as penetration enhancers. Cholesterol also stabilizes the niosomes membrane. The idea of incorporating drugs into niosomes reduces the toxicity and side effects of the drugs and directs them toward a specific site. Niosomes appear to be a well-preferred drug delivery system over other dosage forms as niosomes are mostly stable in nature and economic. This study describes a more effective and efficient strategy to deliver the drug via the transdermal route at the affected joint area for a prolonged period to treat effectively the inflammation and other associated symptoms or progression of cartilage degradation associated with arthritis.