Development of a new biological therapy for osteoarthritis

Disease - Osteoarthritis

Lead applicant - Professor Anthony Day

Organisation - University of Manchester

Type of grant - Translational Study Full Application

Status of grant - Active

Amount of the original award - £250,000

Start date - 1 January 2018

Reference - 21946

Public Summary

What are the aims of this research?

The aim of this research is to build on the discovery of a protein (TSG-6) that prevents inflammation and tissue damage. A part of this protein (called Link_TSG6) is being developed as a treatment for osteoarthritis. This project will find out key information required to design clinical trials and secure clinical and commercial partnerships.

Why is this research important?

Currently, there are no effective drugs to treat osteoarthritis and pain relief options are often inadequate. In many cases this means that the only option for people with osteoarthritis is eventual joint replacement. It has been found in experimental models that Link_TSG6 has anti-inflammatory properties and can protect cartilage from damage, stop bone loss and reduce pain. This means a biological drug based on the TSG-6 protein could provide a promising therapy for people with osteoarthritis.

This project will build on previous work, to find out key information such as the dose required to have an effect, the best route of administration for the drug and how Link_TSG6 affects different types of pain. Mice with arthritis will be used as well as cartilage taken, during knee replacement surgery, from people with osteoarthritis. This information will allow the design of future studies where the drug can be safely given to people with osteoarthritis.

How will the findings benefit patients?

If this work proves successful, this new therapy has the potential to provide major benefits to people with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and slowing disease progression. This will in turn improve the quality of life for people with osteoarthritis and delay the need for joint replacement surgery.