[Modified release intra-articular drug delivery systems].

Beside the many advantages of intraarticular formulations (e.g., the systemic side effects are kept away), there is a big drawback. During the injections, there is the risk for infection therefore the number of injections in a year should be reduced. Also a long-term drug exposure should be achieved with an injection, and if it is possible, a combination of active ingredients should be used. At present there are only formulations with hyaluronic acid or glucocorticoid on the market. One of these formulations, a liposomal preparation, is of sustained drug release. Many different active ingredients could have a long-term drug exposure with carrier systems like micro- and nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels and physically activated delivery systems (thermoresponsive or magnetically modulated). The present paper gives an overview about these carrier systems, the novel scientific results and the aim of the future researches, as well.