International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation that primarily affects the joints but can also involve extra-articular organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Current treatment modalities, which include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), provide symptom relief but are often hindered by off-target effects, short therapeutic half-lives, and systemic toxicity. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to address these limitations. This review explores various nanoparticle (NP)-based strategies for RA treatment, including lipid-based systems like liposomes, ethosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles; polymeric nanoparticles; and metallic nanoparticles such as gold, silver, and iron oxide. Thesesystemsenhancedrugdeliverybyimproving stability, facilitating controlled release, and enabling both active and passive targeting of inflamed tissues. The advantages of NP-based therapies include reduced dosing frequency, minimized side effects, and potential theranostic applications, paving the way for more effective and patient-centered management of RA.