Novel therapeutic topical gel approach for chronic inflammation and pain management in osteo- and viral-arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common and chronic degenerative joint disease that leads to persistent symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue, all of which significantly impair mobility and reduce quality of life. Viral infections can further worsen joint inflammation in individuals with pre-existing osteoarthritis. Among these, the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has become an increasing public health concern, particularly in Asia and South America, where post-viral arthritis frequently mimics or intensifies chronic osteoarthritic symptoms. Current treatments rely mainly on analgesics, corticosteroids, and biologics, which often provide only temporary relief and can cause systemic side effects. Poor bioavailability and limited drug penetration into joint tissues also remain major obstacles to effective long-term therapy. To address these challenges, this study focused on developing a proniosome-based topical gel capable of delivering therapeutic agents locally and in a sustained manner to inflamed joints. The formulation incorporated berberine hydrochloride, Coptis chinensis extract, and glucosamine, selected for their anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties. Non-ionic surfactants and co-lipids were optimized to enhance skin permeation, improve vesicle stability, and support controlled release. Preclinical evaluations were conducted using both osteoarthritis and CHIKV-induced arthritis in vivo models. The optimized proniosome gel demonstrated strong therapeutic efficacy, including reductions in inflammatory markers, improved cartilage preservation and better subchondral bone structure. Importantly, no hepatic or renal toxicity was observed. These findings suggest that the proniosome-based gel offers a safe and effective topical approach for arthritis management, providing localized and sustained drug delivery while minimizing systemic exposure.