Scientists at the Nuffield Orthopedic Center have shown that the drug talarazole, which increases retinoic acid levels, could be a promising treatment for hand osteoarthritis. The results of the research were published in the journal Science Translation Medicine.
The researchers started by looking at a common gene variant associated with severe hand osteoarthritis. Using patient samples collected during arm surgery, scientists found that retinoic acid deficiency is associated with severe osteoarthritis.
Scientists have suggested that the drug talarozol, developed to treat acne and psoriasis, be used to treat osteoarthritis. This drug slows the breakdown of retinoic acid in the body. The study’s authors plan to conduct clinical trials of the drug to evaluate the safety of its use in osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the hands is a common and debilitating disease that mainly affects older women. Overall, osteoarthritis affects more than 40% of the world’s population. Currently, there is no effective treatment to relieve symptoms or stop joint deformity.
The researchers noted that their work was only possible because of their interdisciplinary approach: surgeons, geneticists and molecular biologists participated in the study.