INST Mohali develops self-actuating drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis
On 4 February 2025, in Mohali, Punjab, the Department of Science and Technology announced that the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) had developed a self-actuating drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis.
Summary
On 4 February 2025, in Mohali, Punjab, the Department of Science and Technology announced that researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous DST institution, had developed a 'self-actuating' drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis that releases drugs within inflamed joints only when needed. The formulation is triggered by elevated levels of the enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9 present during flare-ups. Its lipid component (soya lecithin) gives high drug encapsulation, and its polymer component (gelatin) is cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases to release the drug.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 4 Feb 2025, Mohali, Punjab
- Institute
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), autonomous DST institution
- Disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Trigger
- Enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9 during flare-ups
- Components
- Soya lecithin (lipid), gelatin (polymer)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The 'self-actuating' drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis announced on 4 February 2025 was developed by:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali
PIB (4 Feb 2025): researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous institution of DST, developed the system.
The INST Mohali drug delivery system for rheumatoid arthritis releases the drug in response to elevated levels of which enzymes?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — MMP-2 and MMP-9
PIB (4 Feb 2025): the formulation is triggered by elevated levels of specific enzymes (MMP-2 and MMP-9) present during RA flare-ups.