New microcapsules have potential to repair damage caused by osteoarthritis

Inflammation in cartilage affected by osteoarthritis could be reduced by a new microcapsule treatment delivery method, which could even reverse damage to tissue, claims a research team from Queen Mary University of London.
A protein molecule called C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) which occurs naturally in the body, is known to reduce inflammation and aid in the repair of damaged tissue. But CNP cannot be used to treat osteoarthritis because it cannot target the damaged area even when the protein is injected into the cartilage tissue. This is because CNP is easily broken down and cannot reach the diseased site.
But now a research team has constructed tiny microcapsules with individual layers containing CNP that can release the protein slowly and deliver the treatment more effectively. The new technique works well on samples of cartilage taken from animals and the experts involved believe that injections of microcapsules could in the future be used to heal damaged cartilage in people with osteoarthritis. The injections could even be delivered by a GP.
“If this method can be transferred to patients it could drastically slow the progression of osteoarthritis and even begin to repair damaged tissue,” explains Dr Tina Chowdhury who is working on the project. “CNP is currently available to treat other conditions such as skeletal diseases and cardiovascular repair. If we could design simple injections using the microcapsules, this means the technology has the potential to be an effective and relatively cheap treatment that could be delivered in the clinic or at home.”

Image credit: Simon Cunningham

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