The crippling pain of rheumatoid arthritis could be eased for more than half a million Brits suffering with the condition following a scientific breakthrough. A team of Korean scientists are developing a new treatment solution.

New nanoparticles have been found to be effective for easing the agonising condition. Just one dose of the state of the art medicine could provide patients with a degree of relief, say scientists, following trials with lab mice.

Up to 500,000 people in the UK suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, including Strictly star Adam Thomas, who has opened up about the condition while competing in this year's series.

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Rheumatoid arthritis (also know as RA) curently has now cure. It affects two to three times as many women as men, with people most likely to develop the condition between the ages of 40 and 60.

RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.

According to the NHS, RA mainly affects the joints and the small joints in the hands and feet are often the first to be affected. It also typically affects the joints on both sides of the body at the same time and to the same extent - but this is not always the case. It is not known what triggers it.

Study first author Dr Sagang Koo said: "The disease triggers a mix of troublesome symptoms like inflamed joints, harmful cytokines, and immune system imbalances, which work together to create a relentless cycle of worsening symptoms. While targeting some of these factors can provide short-term relief, others remain unresolved, leading to a frustrating cycle of remission and flare-ups."

Dr Koo explained that one of the major hurdles in RA treatment is the inability to restore the immune system to its healthy state. She said that leaves the body unable to control the continuous production of harmful substances - such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines - leading to persistent inflammation and discomfort.

The scientist said: "In essence, the ideal treatment for RA should not only provide immediate relief from inflammation and symptoms but also address the root cause by restoring the immune system to its normal, balanced state." She explained that the new platform involves immobilising ceria nanoparticles (Ce NPs) onto mesenchymal stem cell-derived nanovesicles (MSCNVs).

Dr Koo added: "Both of these components can hinder different pathogenic factors, allowing them to work both individually and cooperatively to achieve a comprehensive treatment. In short, this approach aims to bridge both innate and adaptive immunity to achieve both short-term pain relief, as well as convert the tissue environment into an immune-tolerant state to prevent the recurrence of symptoms."