Formulation Development and Evaluation of Diclofenac Sodium Microspheres Gel to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with joint pain and swelling. These factors necessitate efficient and prolonged drug delivery systems to minimize the side effects of many typical treatments. The present study was aimed to prepare and characterize newly formulated diclofenac sodium-loaded microspheres gel via ionotropic gelation method for targeted RA treatment. In a sodium alginate solution, diclofenac sodium was dissolved before cross-linking with calcium chloride to form gel-like microspheres. Subsequently, the microspheres were assembled in a carbopol gel approach for topical administration.
Comparing the microsphere gel formulations to conventional preparations, the results demonstrate that the former results in greater bioavailability, longer therapeutic durations, and less stomach irritation of diclofenac. These methods have potential as novel treatments for RA diseases and should be investigated further in in vivo and clinical settings.