Self-Assembling Hydrogels of Naproxen-Conjugated Peptides for Osteoarthritis Treatment.

ABSTRACT: Rationale: Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease, lacks truly effective therapies. Current approaches are limited by systemic toxicity, short drug half-lives, and insufficient efficacy. To address this, we developed an innovative therapeutic approach integrating the pharmacological benefits of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with the mechanical support and localized delivery advantages of hydrogels. Methods: Various naproxen-peptide conjugates are designed and synthesized. These candidates were screened based on self-assembly behavior, biocompatibility and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition. NpxFFK underwent further studies including assessment of anti-inflammatory activities and mechanism of action in vitro. In vi

SUBMITTER: Yang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12439141 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature