Emerging trends in microneedle-based drug delivery strategies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: The current drug therapies for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biological products designed to mitigate the symptoms of the disease. These therapies with conventional delivery systems possess limitations such as lack of selectivity and adverse effects in the extra-articular tissues. Microneedles-based transdermal drug delivery gained huge attention that can overcome the limitations associated with conventional preparations. Areas covered: This review aims to provide detailed information on types of microneedles (MNs) and their usage in drug delivery for the management of RA. In addition, it also provides evidence for the effective use of MNs in RA treatment. Various types of MNs, their regulatory status, clinical trials, and patents are also compiled in this review. Expert opinion: Microneedles are small patch-like structures consisting of needles in micron range arranged in array-like structure used to manage drugs designed to be given via transdermal route. Microneedles provide painless delivery, fast onset of action, bypass the first-pass metabolism, and be easily self-administered. In the case of RA treatment, which requires a long-term application of drugs, MN is a new and emerging way to ease the symptoms of RA.