Ethosomes: An Advanced Drug Delivery System for Osteoarthritis

Abstract:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, a chronic condition clinically diagnosed by joint discomfort or dysfunction. Each patient has a different level of OA symptoms, which are contingent on the disease's stage. Although oral drugs, intra-articular injections, and other therapies are widely used, they possess several disadvantages, including poor patient compliance, low bioavailability, and multiple side effects. Ethosomes have shown great promise in TDDS in recent years, especially for hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug substances. Ethosome preparation is easy, materials are readily available, and there is little risk of cross-contamination, all of which have enabled ethosomes to make major advances in increasing drug delivery efficiency. By facilitating targeted drug administration, they greatly increase the bioavailability of pharmaceuticals and boost patient compliance. The present paper offers a thorough analysis of recent developments regarding ethosomes for treating OA. It covers various materials (such as phospholipids, propylene glycol, etc.), fabrication methods (like reverse phase evaporation method, classic cold method, thin film hydration method, hot method, transmembrane pH gradient method, and ethanol injection method), and performance assessments (such as morphology, mechanical properties, and skin penetration capability). A comprehensive safety evaluation was also carried out, and the results demonstrated that ethosomes are safe for clinical use due to their low cytotoxicity and minimal skin irritation. As a novel therapeutic method for OA patients, ethosomes offer a very promising and effective alternative to oral and injectable drug delivery systems, significantly improving treatment outcomes and the quality of life of patients.