pH-responsive microneedle patches for effective treatment of acute gouty arthritis

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA), characterized by the excessive formation of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals and severe inflammation, has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. The first-line clinical treatment for AGA, colchicine, is often limited by substantial side effects and poor oral bioavailability. To overcome these challenges, we have developed hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dissolvable microneedle (MN) patches loaded with calcium carbonate pH-responsive microspheres (Cur@CaCO₃) containing curcumin (Cur) to control the release of Cur. The MN patches deliver Cur@CaCO₃ to the site of joint lesions in a minimally invasive manner. At the lesion site, Cur@CaCO₃ reacts with uric acid to facilitate MSU decomposition, subsequently releasing Cur without adverse effects. Through the synergistic effects of CaCO₃ and Cur, the levels of uric acid and inflammation are reduced, effectively alleviating the symptoms of AGA. These pH-responsive microneedle patches present an innovative approach to traditional AGA treatments and show great promise for widespread clinical application.