Advancements in Dissolving Microneedles for Effective Transdermal Delivery in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease that causes severe joint damage and dysfunction. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including oral and injectable options, are associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects and infection risks, highlighting the necessity for alternative drug delivery systems. Microneedles have emerged as a promising transdermal drug delivery strategy, effectively penetrating the stratum corneum to enable both topical and systemic administration. Among these, dissolving microneedles (DMNs) stand out due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high drug-loading capacity, making them suitable for RA treatment. However, challenges such as insufficient mechanical strength can limit their efficacy, as skin elasticity may prevent the needles from achieving the necessary depth for effective drug release. This review examines the potential of DMNs as a novel transdermal delivery approach for RA management, exploring differences in materials, delivery strategies, and shapes used in various studies. It analyzes the relationship between these factors and the mechanical properties of the microneedles, ultimately identifying materials and designs that optimize DMNs' performance for effective drug delivery in RA treatment. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the selection of materials and the design of microneedle shapes, facilitating the future development of DMNs for RA or similar diseases.