The University at Buffalo technology is an injectable hydrogel platform that enables sustained local delivery of therapeutics for osteoarthritis. Following a single minimally invasive injection, the formulation rapidly transitions from a liquid to a lubricious semisolid depot at body temperature, enabling localized drug release over multiple weeks.

The biocompatible platform combines a polymer matrix with drug-loaded nanocarriers engineered for high loading of poorly soluble therapeutics using materials with prior regulatory acceptance to support clinical translation. Therapeutic agents are released through diffusion and matrix relaxation, providing controlled local exposure. Validated with a SIRT6 activator, the platform is readily adaptable to other hydrophobic disease-modifying agents.