Nanomedicine: an emerging era of theranostics and therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis.

RA is a multifactorial autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by synovitis, bone destruction and joint dysfunction that leads to shortening of lifespan and increased mortality rates. Currently available treatments of RA, by controlling various symptoms, only delay disease progression and have their own side effects. Consequently, there is the need for a novel therapeutic strategy that offers a more sustainable and biocompatible solution. Nanomedicine is a modern branch of nanobiotechnology that provides targeted therapy to inflamed rheumatic joints and thus prevents unwanted off-target side effects. This review highlights various nanotheranostic and nanotherapeutic strategies that are currently being used for the treatment of RA.