CRO Biomodels makes preclinical osteoarthritis breakthrough
The Massachusetts-based contract research organisation (CRO) found that in rat models of the disease, the degeneration of articular cartilage in animals treated with the protein was “far less pronounced” than in those that did not receive treatment.
The work, reported at a US rheumatology conference yesterday, was carried out in partnership with protein drug developer Lubris under the leadership of Gregory Jay, a professor of emergency medicine and biomedical engineering at Brown University.
Dr Jay explained that if the protein’s effect is similar in humans “it would represent the first successful attempt to protect cartilage and improve boundary lubrication in compromised joints,” which he added would revolutionise drugs for OA and joint injury.
Demand for this type of drug is expected to increase dramatically over the next few years as improving global life expectancies mean a greater proportion of people are moving into the age groups most affected by such conditions.
