**6. Conclusion**

Although the advent of biologics markedly increased the number of available treatment options, numerous rheumatoid arthritis patients still use, either alone or in combination, NSAIDs, GCs, and conventional DMARDs. All of these compounds are associated with severe negative side effects resultant from non-specific organ toxicity. In some cases, the side effects necessitate the cessation of a treatment option that may be effectively altering the course of the disease. The application of drug delivery strategies, as outlined herein, promises to improve patient outcome by reducing the likelihood of an adverse reaction to NSAIDs, GCs, and biologic and conventional DMARDs. These same strategies may be extended in the future to facilitate diagnostic imaging and gene therapy, thereby further increasing the possibility of successfully controlling the progression of the disease in all people that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
