Developing a New Treatment Strategy for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive and painful joint disease. While medication and physical therapy can help many patients, these treatments often fall short as long-lasting solutions for this degenerative disease. Researchers will explore the use of a cutting-edge, biotechnology strategy called gene therapy. Gene therapy (transfering genes) works by reprogramming cells already in the body. The team will investigate the best method to reprogram and genetically modify joint cells to help reduce deterioration.The team will then evaluate the ability of this gene transfer method to release anti-inflammatory mediators that may help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Findings from this basic research will help inform future gene therapy clinical trials in dogs with this debilitating joint disease.