Transdermal Delivery of Glucosamine to the Synovial Fluid of Male and Female With Knee Osteoarthritis

Glucosamine is commonly used as a treatment for Osteoarthritis (OA). While oral administration remains the most commonly used route, topical administration could offer numerous advantages such as targeted delivery to affected joints and overcoming the negative effects of the passage of the drug through the digestive system. The objective of this study is to assess the bioavailability of glucosamine in the synovial fluid of osteoarthritic joints, following the topical application of a commercially available transdermal glucosamine cream. Joint fluid samples will be collected from 2 groups of participants with knee OA: the Control group will not be subjected to any treatment while the Test group will apply 2g of transdermal glucosamine cream 1 to 3 hours before the joint fluid collection. Glucosamine concentration will be determined and the results obtained from both groups will be compared. This trial will potentially provide data to support that glucosamine can cross the skin and be delivered to the affected joint fluid when formulated in a transdermal cream base.