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Transepidermal microneedles for co-administration of folic acid with methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, has increased globally due to dysfunctioning of rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibody. The clinical manifestation includes progressive disability of synovial joints due to inflammation of synovial membrane. The outlined research work was carried out with an aim to prepare microneedle arrays to co-administer folic acid with methotrexate for transepidermal delivery in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The microspheres of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) containing folic acid were developed by using multiple emulsion (w/o/w type) system. Polyvinylpyrrolidone-based microneedles arrays of methotrexate were casted by using silicon based moulds. Microspheres were analysed for particle size, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro release of folic acid studies. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the microsphere exhibits sphere-like structure within narrow size range of 7 ± 1.1 to 13 ± 1.3 μm. In-vitro release study showed controlled release of drugs from microneedle arrays up to 24 h. Pharmacodynamics efficacy study of microneedle array was estimated by using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) model in female Albino Wistar rats and showed suppression of paw swelling. It was concluded that the transepidermal microneedle technology for co-administration of folic acid with methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is a minimally invasive, cost-effective and an alternative to the conventional drug delivery system.