Topical Dual-Drug Delivery Using β-Cyclodextrin Nanosponges: A Targeted and Safer Therapeutic Strategy for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease often associated with limitations of conventional therapies, including systemic toxicity and poor patient compliance. This study presents a novel topical delivery system utilizing β-cyclodextrin nanosponges for the combined administration of baricitinib and tenoxicam. The developed nanosponges exhibited high drug loading, nanoscale size, and improved solubility through amorphization. Incorporation into a carbopol gel enabled sustained and controlled drug release. In vivo evaluation in an arthritis model demonstrated significant reduction in inflammation, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, and improved joint condition. The formulation also showed minimal systemic toxicity, as indicated by normalized biochemical parameters. Overall, this dual-drug nanosponge gel offers a targeted, effective, and safer approach for RA management.