Targeted Drug-delivery Approaches By Nanoparticulate Carriers In The Therapy Of Inflammatory Diseases

Limitations in therapy induced by adverse effects due to unselective drug availability and therefore the use of potentially too high doses are a common problem. One prominent example for this dilemma are inflammatory diseases. The therapeutic drawback can be overcome using nanocarrier-based drug targeting strategies which improve the selective delivery of drugs to the site of action, the so called drug targeting. Specific uptake of nanoparticles by immune related cells in inflamed barriers offers selective drug targeting to the inflamed tissue. Common inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, uveitis or inflammatory bowel disease can be efficiently treated using nanocarrier-based drug delivery strategies which avoid common adverse effects.

Given A Choice, Arthritis Patients Take More Conservative Clinical Approach

A recent study suggests that increasing patient responsibility for making medical decisions may decrease their willingness to accept risky treatment options. Details of this proof-of-concept study appear in the December issue of Arthritis Care & Research, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nearly 1.1 billion visits to physician offices and hospital outpatient and emergency departments were made in the U.S. in 2006. A noval approach to doctor-patient interactions has emerged where both a patient and health care professional share information and jointly decide on course of treatment for the patient.

Study Results Suggest Oral Salmon Calcitonin Using Eligen R Drug Delivery Technology May Reduce Cartilage And Bone Degradation In Osteoarthritis

Emisphere Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: EMIS) announced study results in which twice-daily oral salmon calcitonin using Emisphere's proprietary Eligen® Drug Delivery Technology significantly suppressed markers of cartilage and bone degradation versus placebo in men and women with osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. The study, a Phase I, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, randomized, gender-stratified clinical trial, was conducted on behalf of Emisphere's partner Novartis Pharma AG by Nordic Bioscience, and published online in the September 2009 issue of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. A total of 73 male and female subjects aged 57 to 75 years with painful osteoarthritis of the knee received twice-daily 0.

Trial Raises Doubts Over Alternative Pain Therapy For Arthritis

Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in relieving arthritis pain, according to a new study led by a University of York academic. Researchers conducted the first randomised placebo-controlled trial on the use of both copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps for pain management in osteoarthritis -- the most common form of the condition. The devices are used worldwide for helping to manage pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The results of this trial conflict with those from previous studies, by showing that both magnetic and copper bracelets were ineffective for managing pain, stiffness and physical function in osteoarthritis.

Biomedical Research Centre Searches For Immunological Biomarkers

Persistent inflammation and the activation of the immune system is the key pathological mechanism affecting many long-term conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease and is the predominant mechanism underlying organ transplant rejection. But the molecular and cellular processes triggering these inflammatory and immune responses remain little understood. A group of London-based researchers hope that by extending understanding of the biological processes, they will be able to identify 'biomarkers' in the tissue and blood, which in future could be used to diagnose these conditions, to predict how they will develop and how an individual will respond to treatment.

Flexcin Offers Tell-Tail Signs That Your Dog Has Pet Arthritis

Like humans, dogs can also get painful pet arthritis throughout their bodies. But unlike people, who can simply talk about what hurts, how can you spot when your furry little friend has arthritis? Flexcin, the maker of FlexPet dog arthritis treatment, offers these four tell-tail signs so you can bring relief to your pet. 1) No Longer Running & Jumping: Dogs are active animals, even as they age. Running and jumping around are two simple activities enjoyed by happy and healthy dogs. If your dog stops running and jumping, this is the first major sign your pet may have dog joint pain. 2) Difficult Walking Up Stairs: Many homes are built to have multiple levels.

Second Phase Of Patient Reported Outcomes Initiative Launched By NIH

The National Institutes of Health has announced that it is awarding 15 new grants to further develop and test the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Managed by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), PROMIS aims to revolutionize the way patient reported outcome tools are selected and employed in clinical research and practice. PROMIS utilizes advances in computer technology and modern measurement theory to assess outcomes such as pain, fatigue, and other aspects of quality of life in a standardized manner. An important goal of the initiative is to develop valid and reliable clinical instruments that will allow the measurement of patient-reported symptoms more efficiently and effectively.

Research Findings Aim To Improve The Lives Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

The American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation announced that findings through a new research program focused on rheumatoid arthritis have yielded results that will soon alter medical evaluation and management of patients. Highlights of the recent research findings will be presented during a special session on Sunday, October 18, at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Philadelphia, Pa. More than 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, which is the most common forms of inflammatory arthritis. New therapies and advances in genetics, proteomics, pharmacology and genomics have led to major progress in recent years however the cause for, and cure of, RA are currently unknown, and without specialized treatment, bones erode and joints develop deformities.

UNC's Thurston Arthritis Research Center Wins Multiple Awards At ACR Meeting

The Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine garnered numerous research and teaching awards at the recent meeting of the American College of Rheumatology annual scientific conference held Oct. 15-17 in Philadelphia. Thurston is home to huge data sets from ongoing longitudinal studies, including the Johnston County Arthritis Project, that attract top researchers, and faculty are looking at novel areas, including tai chi and the effects of selenium on arthritis. To address clinical needs, and facilitate the translation of research to patient care, the center recently opened a new infusion clinic for rheumatology patients and joined a statewide family practice network to extend its reach and amplify its expertise.

Moderate Weight Loss Helps Reduce Risk Of Osteoarthritis In The Knee, Maintaining Weight Provides No Benefit

Here's another good reason to lose even a moderate amount of weight: it could reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis in your knees. People who are overweight and lose just 5 percent of their weight are less likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee, or knee OA, compared to people who gain weight, according to data from a large ongoing study by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. "We hear a lot of messages about how obesity affects cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but arthritis is often overlooked, " says Lauren Abbate, a third-year medical student at UNC and lead investigator of the knee OA paper, presented Monday, Oct.