The disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent, autoimmune, inflammatory system ailment that is marked by inflammation of the synovia, progressive erosion of the articular cartilage, and progressive degradation of the joints. Iguratimod, as a classic synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD), has strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects; however, insufficient aqueous solubility, intermittent oral bioavailability, and high first-pass metabolism are its adverse effects on clinical use. The overall goal of the current study was to design and optimize Iguratimod-based polymeric nanocarrier pairs co-formulated with a nutraceutical adjugate, and achieve an enhancement in drug solubility, chemical stability, and therapeutic performance of the constructs in the case of RA management. The creation of Iguratimod-laden nanocapsules, nanoparticle emulsions, and nanocrystals using biocompatible polymers, the inclusion of spray-dried milk powder (SMP) as a nutraceutical co-component, and performance of thorough physicochemical and analytical evaluation of the resulting systems were some of the specific objectives. Polymers that were used to make the nanocarriers were polyvinylpyrrolidone K 90, β-cyclodextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, and chitosan. Compatibility studies using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have proven the factor of absence of deleterious interactions between chemicals and maintenance of structural integrity of Iguratimod. Assays of ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were proved to be validated, with high linearity, precision, and specificity. These findings showed the establishment of consistent nanoscale preparations with a slender particle distribution, suitable zeta-potential readings, elevated drug acquisition capacity, and improved dispersion qualities. To conclude, Iguratimod nutraceutical-polymeric nanocarriers are a potential solution to overcome biopharmaceutical limitations of the first drug and provide a multi-purpose solution with synergistic capacity to enhance the therapeutic effect of the first drug in rheumatoid arthritis.
Keywords: Iguratimod, Rheumatoid Arthritis Management, Nutraceutical Supplements
How to cite this article: Keshri P, Tripathi A, Design and Optimization of Iguratimod-Based Polymeric Nanocarriers Co-Formulated with Nutraceutical Supplements for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 676-687; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.79
Source of support: Nil
Conflict of interest: None