Joint fat pad formulations, and methods of use thereof

A method of treating pain, inflammation, or a combination thereof, in a joint of a subject in need of such treatment, the method comprising administering a gel suspension formulation into a fat pad of the joint, thereby relieving the joint from the pain, inflammation, or combination thereof;

• wherein the formulation comprises:
• a non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid present at a concentration ranging from 2% to 10% (wt/wt) of the formulation;
• and
• dexamethasone, or a salt thereof, which is suspended in the formulation and present at a concentration ranging from 0.1% to 50% (wt/wt) of the formulation;
• wherein the formulation provides sustained release of the dexamethasone, or the salt thereof, to the joint;
• wherein the method provides consisting of reduced systemic exposure relative to a systemic or an intra-articular administration of a therapeutic dose of dexamethasone;
• and
• wherein a single administration of the formulation to the joint fat pad provides equivalent or superior relief of the pain or inflammation of the joint relative to a single systemic or intra-articular administration of a therapeutic dose of dexamethasone;
• and
• wherein the administering comprises injecting, embedding or implanting the formulation into the joint fat pad.