Over 10 million people in the UK suffer from arthritis and conditions that affect joints. The degenerative condition can significantly impact daily life, leading to fatigue and immobility.
However, scientists have now created a potentially revolutionary gel that could help ease the pain for those with achy joints. It acts like artificial cartilage and releases medicine straight into joints. The gel differs from current treatments, which only bring short-term relief and often carry side effects.
As reported by the Daily Mail, it has been developed by scientists at the University of Cambridge. The gel reacts during flare-ups, turning softer and jelly-like before releasing anti-inflammatory drugs.
Dr. Stephen O’Neil, who led the study, said: “These materials can ‘sense’ when something is wrong in the body and respond by delivering treatment right where it is needed. This could reduce the need for repeated doses while improving quality of life.”
While other treatments require triggers such as heat or light, the new gel works with the body’s chemistry. Tests, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, show the gel released more dye at acidity levels typical of a flare-up.
This means the gel could be placed directly onto joints to respond to inflammation. It releases medicine and eases the pain of arthritis.
Dr. Jade McCune, study co-author, said: “By tuning the chemistry of these gels, we can make them highly sensitive to the subtle shifts in acidity that occur in inflamed tissue. That means drugs are released when and where they are needed most.”
The team will next test the gel in living organisms to confirm safety. It could then become a revolutionary treatment for chronic illnesses such as arthritis.
The condition currently costs the NHS an estimated £10.2 billion a year. Over 600 million people across the world are believed to be living with the condition.
The NHS said: “There’s no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down. Osteoarthritis treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines and surgery.
“Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow the condition’s progress and minimise joint inflammation. This helps prevent joint damage. Treatments include medicine, physiotherapy and surgery.”
