Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and the leading cause of disability, affecting more than 30 million Americans. Yet the treatments that are available address only symptoms. Unlike with other types of arthritis, there are no drugs yet that can change the course of disease with osteoarthritis. That’s why it’s a research priority for us.
We are at the forefront of research in OA, partnering with international thought leaders in the arena. And we are committed to supporting research that has meaningful results for people living with OA. We have several Science programs focused on identifying new OA biomarkers, discovering new OA drugs and improving the lives of people living with this disease.
Osteoarthritis by the Numbers
Americans affected by OA
granted to 15 institutions since 2018
research projects supported
OA-CTN
OA-CTN
The Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial Network (OA-CTN) is composed of leading clinical investigators and research institutions collaborating and building networks to accelerate scientific innovations that will make a difference in patients’ lives.
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OA Clinical Studies: Beyond the Knee
Through our OACS Forum Series and Conferences, we facilitate conversations around OA clinical research among the renowned leaders in the field. Clinical research in OA has largely focused on the knee, a joint that is commonly injured and more easily studied than most other joints. We are currently working to fill gaps in knowledge by focusing on other joints. Learn more about the research we support in OA.
Ankle OA
Ankle OA
We are currently focusing on joints in the ankle — a complex musculoskeletal structure with few satisfactory treatments. In 2021, our two-day OACS virtual conference highlighted research into ankles and feet, and we are continuing to concentrate our research efforts in that area, in partnership with the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society.
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In partnership w/HSS
2023 Hip OA Clinical Studies Conference
In a continuation of our OA Clinical Studies: Beyond the Knee, we are partnering with Hospital for Special Surgery to present a symposium focusing on OA of the hip.Join us Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at HSS in New York to hear 20 multi-disciplinary experts review current state-of-the-art practices in hip OA and identify clinical research gaps.
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Cell Therapy in OA
Does Strong Muscle Matter in OA?
Exercise and Pain Coping: Issues and Opportunities
Exercise is Medicine: Managing OA Joint Pain
Impact of OA in the Military
Is Exercise Therapy Safe for People with Osteoarthritis?
MRI in OA Clinical Research
RA Biologics in OA: Failures but Reasons for Hope?
Subgroups and Mechanisms of Actions for Exercise in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis
Tanezumab and Similar Therapies
2021 ACR Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Forward and reverse degradomics defines the proteolytic landscape of human knee osteoarthritic cartilage and the role of the serine protease HtrA1
MOCHA Trial: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
OA Drug Development Workshop Presentations and Papers
OA Drug Development Workshop Technical Highlights
Raman needle arthroscopy for in vivo molecular assessment of cartilage
The QIBA Profile for MRI-based Compositional Imaging of Knee Cartilage
FDA Workshop
FDA Workshop
We partner with numerous academic, medical and other research institutions and other entities. In 2021, we convened a meeting of leading experts in OA with representatives of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to discuss the challenges and opportunities to finding new drug treatments for OA.
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Past Research Initiatives
Our research efforts today build upon years of past discoveries and initiatives. They have guided and honed our scientific focus and priorities to move closer to delivering on initiatives that will have meaningful results for patients.
Richard Lartey, PhD
Reza Jafarzadeh, PhD
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