Scientists at the University at Buffalo have developed an injectable hydrogel designed to prolong the efficacy of osteoarthritis (OA) treatments within the joint. The hydrogel, administered via a minimally invasive injection, transforms from a liquid to a semisolid depot at body temperature, where it can reside for several weeks, gradually releasing drug-loaded nanocarriers. This platform addresses the challenge of rapid clearance of therapeutic compounds from synovial fluid and the difficulty of delivering hydrophobic drugs at effective concentrations without systemic exposure.
The hydrogel combines a biocompatible polymer matrix with nanocarriers capable of transporting poorly soluble therapeutic compounds. Once inside the joint, the therapeutic compounds are released through diffusion and gradual relaxation of the hydrogel matrix, providing controlled local exposure over multiple weeks. The system has been validated using a SIRT6 activator and can be adapted to deliver other hydrophobic, disease-modifying compounds. Beyond extending the therapeutic window and potentially reducing the frequency of invasive injections, the hydrogel also functions as a viscosupplement, offering joint lubrication while delivering treatments targeting underlying OA pathology. The primary intended application is knee OA, with potential for broader use in post-traumatic OA, intervertebral disc degeneration, and rotator cuff degeneration, among other conditions. [Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/08/260829235947.htm]