But a first-in-human trial of a novel therapy suggests doctors could soon relieve the pain for at least a year with a single injection.<\/p>\n
Scientists at the Mayo Clinic injected the knees of nine osteoarthritis patients with a genetically-altered benign virus that caused cells to make an anti-inflammation molecule.<\/p>\n
Over 12 months, participants reported they had reduced pain and were better able to move their knee. There were no serious safety issues.<\/p>\n
Dr Christopher Evans, a physical medicine expert who led the study, said: ‘This could revolutionize the treatment of osteoarthritis.\u00a0This study provides a highly promising, novel way to attack the disease.’<\/p>\n
This was only a Phase 1 trial, the initial stage of testing for a new medical treatment, so more tests are needed to solidify dosage, frequency and pricing.<\/p>\n
But the early results were heralded as promising, with doctors now hoping to be able to get the drug to patients within the next few years.<\/p>\n
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The nine participants in the early trial had no serious reactions to the treatment (stock image)<\/p>\n
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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and is linked to wear and tear on joints caused by aging, repeated stress from a job or sport, obesity or previous injury.<\/p>\n
It is most common in the hands, knees, hips and spine, and tends to be diagnosed at around 50 years old. Patients are normally female, and may be overweight or have a family history of the disease.<\/p>\n
The repetitive stress on joints from overuse and injury can damage cartilage, while aging means cells are less able to repair the tissue, leading to the condition.<\/p>\n
Doctors treat osteoarthritis with over-the-counter painkillers and lifestyle changes, and may also recommend a joint replacement in severe cases. Hyaluronic acid injections are also available, but these normally only last around six months.<\/p>\n
Painkillers and injections only target the pain, while joint replacements are used to resolve the cause of the disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In osteoarthritis, joints affected by the condition typically contain high levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), a molecule linked to high levels of inflammation, pain and cartilage loss.<\/p>\n
Dr Evans and his team have focused on reducing levels of this molecule by targeting it with the\u00a0molecule IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which has been shown to reduce IL-1 levels.<\/p>\n
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