Novel Drug Delivery for Treating Cartilage Injuries

Abstract

Osteochondral injuries caused by trauma or osteoarthritis are joint diseases that impose significant social and economic burdens on modern society. The mechanisms of articular cartilage healing pose a crucial clinical challenge. Delivering cells and therapeutic factors to the injury site using various types of carriers is a novel approach that promotes tissue regeneration. Multiple factors are involved in the cartilage regeneration process; however, uncontrolled delivery of drugs, growth factors, and other mechanisms may not only diminish the full repair potential of damaged cartilage but also lead to undesirable morphological effects. New approaches, such as targeted smart drug delivery, may enhance the therapeutic potential of intra-articular agents by prolonging the half-life of selected drugs within the joint and specific tissues. This review will discuss the roles of various biologics in cartilage regeneration, as well as different delivery methods for achieving effective healing responses. 2026, Bentham Science Publishers