Hydrogel for Joint Drug Delivery

At Wroclaw Medical University, researchers are developing projects that advance modern drug delivery methods. In many cases, the effectiveness of therapy depends not only on the active substance itself but also on how it is delivered into the body. A well-designed delivery system can make a drug act longer, more effectively, and more conveniently for the patient.

One such project is led by Dorota Wójcik-Pastuszka, carried out as part of a nanogrant within the “Young Science” program at the Department of Physical Chemistry and Biophysics, in collaboration with Witold Musiał. The researcher is working on a hydrogel designed for direct intra-articular administration. The formulation, based on sodium hyaluronate, is intended to enable the gradual release of prednisolone sodium phosphate—a drug with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

“Interest in this topic stems from ongoing research into various preparations administered directly into joints. These include systems based on sodium hyaluronate containing painkillers or anesthetics such as diclofenac or bupivacaine. Studies are also being conducted on specialized intra-articular implants capable of gradually releasing analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs,” explains Dr. Wójcik-Pastuszka.

Hydrogel as a Drug Carrier

Hydrogels are materials composed largely of water and have a structure similar to natural body tissues. This makes them well tolerated and increasingly used as carriers for therapeutic substances.

In this project, the hydrogel is based on sodium hyaluronate—a substance naturally present in synovial fluid.

“Sodium hyaluronate is responsible for the viscosity and lubricating properties of synovial fluid, supporting proper joint function. Using it as a component of the hydrogel makes the injected formulation more compatible with the natural joint environment and may allow for the gradual release of the drug exactly where it is needed,” the researcher explains.

The hydrogel will incorporate prednisolone in the form of its sodium phosphate. This allows the drug to be released slowly, rather than acting only for a short time after administration.

Greater Comfort for Patients

One of the main goals of the project is to create a formulation that lasts longer than currently used intra-articular drugs.

“The gradual release of prednisolone may help maintain its activity in the joint for a longer period. This could result in more effective pain and inflammation control, while reducing the need for frequent injections. It may also lower the risk of side effects associated with systemic drug exposure,” emphasizes Dr. Wójcik-Pastuszka.

A Direction for Future Research

This research aligns with a growing trend in pharmaceutical technology focused on delivering drugs directly to diseased tissues.

“Hydrogels as drug carriers enable the development of locally acting formulations whose properties can be tailored to specific therapeutic needs. In the future, such solutions may support more personalized treatments for joint diseases,” adds the researcher.

In the long term, the development of such technologies may lead to new intra-articular therapies that more effectively relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the quality of life of patients with joint disorders.