Folic Acid Modified Glucosamine/Methotrexate Polymer Targeted Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Objective. To develop a targeted drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods. In this study, methotrexate (MTX) was combined with glucosamine (Glu) and modified with folic acid (FA) to prepare folic acid-glucosamine/methotrexate polymer (FA-Glu/MTX). The stability, sustained release, cytotoxicity, and therapeutic effect were evaluated based on in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results. FA-Glu/MTX had good stability, sustained release, and low cytotoxicity. In addition, the results of in vivo experiments proved that compared with MTX, FA-Glu/MTX has a stronger therapeutic effect on RA and has certain targeting properties. Conclusion. FA-Glu/MTX is expected to become a new option for RA treatment.