Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
12: Osteoarthritis
Background Paper
Osteoarthritis
“Opportunities to Address Pharmaceutical Gaps”
7 October 2004
6.12-1
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Table of Contents
Summary..............................................................................................................................................3
1. Introduction..........................................................................................................................4
2. Size and Nature of Disease Burden....................................................................................4
3. Control Strategy...................................................................................................................8
4. Major Problems and Challenges for Disease Control
(Why Does the Disease Burden Persist?).........................................................................16
5. Past/Current Research into Pharmaceutical Interventions for OA...............................17
6. Current Pharmaceutical Product “Pipeline” for OA Treatment..................................18
7. Opportunities for research into new pharmaceutical intervention..............................20
8. Gaps Between Current Research and Potential Research Issues
that Could Make a Difference...........................................................................................21
9. Conclusion..........................................................................................................................22
10. References...........................................................................................................................23
Annexes
6.12-2
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis or degenerative joint disease. 1 It is a
leading cause of chronic disability. The disease most commonly affects the middle-aged and
elderly, although younger people may be affected as a result of injury or overuse. Age is the
strongest predictor of the disease and therefore increasing age and extended life expectancy
will result in a greater occurrence of the disease. Patients affected by this disease suffer from
pain and loss of function.
At present, there is no cure for OA. The management of OA is broadly divided into non-
pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical treatments. Surgical management is
generally reserved for failed medical management where functional disability affects a
patient’s quality of life. Pharmacological management includes control of pain and
improvement in function and quality of life while limiting drug toxicity. Experts in this field
suggest that appropriate therapy for OA combines one or more pharmacological agents with
exercise, weight loss and physical therapy (i.e. non-pharmacological therapy).
There are a number of drugs under development for symptomatic and disease modification,
and several studies are also evaluating alternative therapies. There are several drugs on the
market whose clinical effectiveness and long-term safety still need to be determined. This
assessment is especially important since OA requires long-term disease management and the
disease primarily affects people over the age of 60 who are most prone to drug toxicity, and
for whom the potential for drug interactions are high. Information on the impact of the
disease to society and the cost of disease management (including pharmacological and non-
pharmacological treatments) needs to be re-evaluated. Finally, most experts emphasize that
more research efforts need to be directed towards new diagnostics, biomarkers and imaging
technology. This is an essential area of research in OA since it will help to determine who is
likely to get OA; severity and progression of disease; patient response to drugs, and the
development of disease modifying drugs that have the potential to halt or reverse the
disease.Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
6.12-3
6.12: Osteoarthritis
1. Introduction
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis.Error: Reference source not found The
most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease. It is a
common chronic, progressive musculoskeletal disorder characterized by gradual loss of
articular cartilage. The disease most commonly affects the middle-aged and elderly,
although it may begin earlier as a result of injury or overuse. It is often more painful in
weight bearing joints such as the knee, hip, and spine than in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder
joints. All joints may be more affected if they are used extensively in work or sports, or if
they have been damaged from fractures or other injuries.Error: Reference source not found, 4
2. Size and Nature of Disease Burden
Musculoskeletal conditions are a major burden on individuals as well as health and social
care systems, with significant indirect costs.
7.00%
6.00%
5.00%
4.00%
% of total
3.00%
2.00%
1.00%
0.00%
0-4 5-14 15-29 6.12-4
30-44 45-59 60-69 70-79 80+
Age groups
Note from Figure 1, the peak in the burden of disease (DALYs) in each of the three
regions: Global, EU15, EU25, and EU10 are different. In EU 10, the onset of OA is at an
earlier age, perhaps resulting in more disability, loss of productivity and increased health
care costs.
Knee OA is likely to become the fourth most important global cause of disability in
women and eighth most important in men.Error: Reference source not found
OA contributes to a higher disease burden in men below the age of 50 and in women
over the age of 50.
According to expert opinions presented in the EULAR committee report, radiographic
evidence of knee OA in men and women over 65 is found in 30% of patients.Error:
Reference source not found
Figure 2 shows the prevalence of OA of the knee by age group, sex and region.Error:
Reference source not found In general OA is more prevalent in Europe and USA than in
other parts of the world.Error: Reference source not found
Country impact
Aggregate numbers on the overall impact of OA are not available. Therefore, statistical
highlights and the impact of arthritis from individual countries that have reported
information are presented.
UKError: Reference source not found
In England and Wales between 1.3 and 1.75 million people have symptomatic OA. In
2000 more than 80,000 hip or knee replacements were performed at a cost of £405 million.
6.12-5
6.12: Osteoarthritis
As a cause of disability (such as walking and climbing stairs) in the elderly OA is second
to cardiovascular disease.
Altogether 10% to 15% of adults over 60 have some degree of OA.
Germany6
Four million people out of 82 million people suffer from some form of autoimmune
conditions affecting joints.
Most people participate in a universal medical health insurance system.
The key issues in the fight against arthritis include access to medications, access to
speciality care, uncoordinated treatment, and diminished state budgets.
CanadaError: Reference source not found
The direct and indirect costs of arthritis in Canada equates to approximately $18 billion
per year.
Over four million Canadians out of 31,014,000 people have arthritis.
Currently there are approximately 270 rheumatologists in Canada; however, 150 of them
are close to retirement leaving 120 rheumatologists to care for 4 million suffering arthritis
patients.
There are approximately 37,000 hip and knee replacement surgeries every year in
Canada.
The key issues in the fight against arthritis facing Canada include: access to medications,
access to rheumatology care, access to orthopaedic care, funding for research and illness
disability.
JapanError: Reference source not found
It is estimated that over 41 million people out of 285 million people in the United States
have arthritis.
In the United States about 6 percent of adults over 30 have OA of the knee and about
3 percent have OA of the hip.
The occurrence of the OA increases with age, rising 2- to 10-fold in people from 30 to
65 years of age.
An estimated 50 million people will be diagnosed with arthritis by 2013.
The current economic burden of arthritis in its various forms is approximately
$82.4 billion.
Direct costs are $34.6 billion (hospitals, doctors, transportation, nursing homes)
Only 3% of the cost is for drugs.
Indirect costs are $47.8 billion (primarily lost wages and lost productivity).
Arthritis is a greater factor in limiting activity than heart disease, hypertension,
blindness, or diabetes. Figure 3 shows the levels of physical activity reported by women
with arthritis in the US. Only 24% of people with arthritis report and achieve levels of
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6.12: Osteoarthritis
physical activity that are recommended for health. The remainder are essentially inactive
or insufficiently active.
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6.12: Osteoarthritis
Figure 3. Levels of physical activity reported by women with arthritis in the US 10, Error: Reference
source not found
3. Control Strategy
Patients with OA suffer from pain and loss of function. Objectives of OA management are to
reduce the level of pain, reduce inflammation, slow cartilage degradation, improve function
and reduce disability. This section reviews pharmacological and nonconventional, non-
pharmacological OA therapies.
Diagnosis and medical management Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found,
Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, 11, 12, 13
6.12-8
6.12: Osteoarthritis
The management plan of OA patients also needs to be regularly reviewed and adjusted
in light of their response and adherence. This will vary between patients and location.
The management of OA is broadly divided into non-pharmacological, pharmacological,
and surgical treatments. Surgical treatment is generally reserved for failed medical
management with functional disability affecting a patient’s quality of life.
Prevention
Preventing the onset of OA requires lifestyle changes.Error: Reference source not found, 14
Primary prevention. These are measures to prevent the condition from occurring. There are
only a few effective primary prevention strategies for arthritis. These include:
Weight control: Obesity is considered a risk factor for OA. Thus, maintaining or
reducing weight can lower the risk for certain arthritic conditions.
Occupational injury prevention: Avoiding repetitive joint use and its injuries can
help prevent arthritis.
Sports injury prevention: Taking the necessary precautions to prevent injury such
as warming up and using proper equipment can help reduce joint injuries.
Secondary prevention. This involves early diagnosis so that appropriate early intervention
can be utilized. However, this is difficult in OA since no effective biomarkers are
available to determine the progression of the disease. Furthermore, radiographic
evidence is often needed to identify and mark disease progression. Access to health care
facilities and availability of X-rays is problematic in many parts of the world.Error:
Reference source not found, 15
Tertiary prevention. This focuses on reducing the consequences of a disease. Goals of these
prevention strategies are to reduce, delay the onset of complications and disability.
Tertiary prevention strategies for arthritis are aimed at reducing pain and disability, and
improving quality of life. The following encompass tertiary prevention strategies: self-
management (weight control, physical activity, education); home help programs;
cognitive behavioural interventions; rehabilitation services and medical surgical
treatments.Error: Reference source not found
6.12-9
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Table 1. Therapeutic options in osteoarthritis Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error:
Non-pharmacological treatment
Education (patient and spouse or family)
Social support
Physiotherapy (physical therapy)
Occupational therapy
Weight loss
Exercise
Orthotic devises
Laser
Pulsed EMF (Electromagnetic field therapy)
Ultrasound
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Acupuncture
Nutrients
Herbal remedies
Vitamins/minerals
Pharmacological treatment
Paracetamol/Acetaminophen
NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) [plus misoprostol or a proton
pump inhibitor]*
COX-2 inhibitors (cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs)
Opioid analgesics
Hormones
Psychotropic drugs [comment- can this be elaborated using a couple of examples?
These are also not covered in pharmacological treatment sections below]
SYSADOA (Symptomatic Slow Acting Drugs for OA (avocado/soybean
unsaponifiables (ASU), chondroitin, diacerein and glucosamine)
Topical NSAIDS
Topical capsaicin
Intra-articular treatment
Corticosteroids
Hyaluronans
Tidal irrigation
Surgical
Arthroscopy
Osteomy
UKR (unicompartmental knee replacement)
TKR (total knee replacement)
*Misoprostol and proton pump inhibitors are recommendations by ACR and are
recommended in patients who are at increased risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects.
6.12-10
6.12: Osteoarthritis
ExerciseError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, 18
Weight lossError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
Although weight loss is recommended, the effect of weight loss on OA has only been
evaluated in two studies. These studies showed that weight loss reduced the risk of
developing symptomatic OA in women, reduced pain and improved function. Most
authors conclude that while the evidence is poorly documented weight loss is a sensible
recommendation in the management of OA.
Physical aidsError: Reference source not found,Error: Reference source not found
There is limited data on the effects of physical aids on OA, although, physical aids are
considered a sensible approach in the management of OA.
A BMJ Clinical review concluded that RCTs in people with knee OA found limited
evidence that joint bracing or taping improves quality of life and symptoms. The review
also found that there was insufficient evidence to compare the effects of different insoles.
6.12-11
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Analgesics- paracetamol/acetaminophenError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not
found, Error: Reference source not found, 20
Both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against
Rheumatism Guidelines (EULAR) recommend paracetamol/acetaminophen as the first
list line agent. EULAR recommendations also state that based on it overall cost, efficacy
and toxicity profile, it should be the preferred long-term oral analgesic.
A BMJ clinical evidence review found limited evidence that simple analgesics such as
paracetamol, reduced pain compared with placebo. However, a review by EULAR
reports that paracetamol is as effective as NSAIDS in the management of OA.
Furthermore, it can be taken safely over the long term.
A recent study has also raised concern about the safety of acetaminophen in doses of
greater than 2g/day. The study suggests that high dose acetaminophen may results in an
increased risk of gastrointestinal toxicity equivalent to NSAIDs.Error: Reference source
not found, 21
Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not
found
NSAIDs have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but there is no evidence
that they modify the course of OA.
There is limited evidence that these agents vary in efficacy within this therapeutic drug
category.
According to systematic reviews conducted by BMJ, NSAIDs are more effective than
placebo in reducing pain; however, their long-term efficacy (past 2 years) has not been
studied. Also, systematic reviews of RCTs by BMJ, found no good evidence that oral
NSAIDS differ from paracetamol/acetaminophen in pain relief.Error: Reference source
not found
According to the 2003 EULAR review, the expert committee states that there is evidence
that NSAIDs are more efficacious than paracetamol for some patients. The
recommendations suggest that given the low-grade inflammatory component of OA,
NSAIDs would be the ‘logical drugs in patients unresponsive to paracetamol’.Error:
Reference source not found
Risk factors for NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal adverse effects include: patient’s
greater than 65 years, concomitant use of anticoagulants and glucocorticoids and history
of peptic ulcer disease or upper gastrointestinal bleed, smoking and alcohol
consumption.Error: Reference source not found, 22
- In the US an estimated 20% to 30% of all hospitalisations due to peptic ulcer disease
are secondary to NSAID use.Error: Reference source not found
- Gastroduodenal ulcers occur in 15% to 30% of patients who take NSAIDs.Error:
Reference source not found
Another serious complication associated with NSAIDS includes renal failure. Risk factors
for renal failure include: age greater than 65, hypertension, congestive heart failure,
6.12-12
6.12: Osteoarthritis
ACR and EULAR recommend that NSAIDs should be considered in patients
unresponsive to paracetamol, and patients who are at risk of gastrointestinal toxicity
should use effective gastroprotective agents or selective COX-2 inhibitors.
There is evidence that misoprostol, proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers may reduce
the gastrointestinal adverse effects induced by NSAIDs. However, the cost utility or
prophylactic use of these agents is controversial and requires pharmaco-eoconomic
analysis.Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
6.12-13
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) InhibitorsError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found,
Error: Reference source not found,Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
COX-2 inhibitors have been found to be more effective than placebo in relieving pain in
OA.Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
This class is just as efficacious as NSAIDs for pain relief but with a reduction of up to 50%
in perforation, ulcers and bleeding.Error: Reference source not found
There are reports that the cardiovascular and renal adverse effects are comparable to
NSAIDs and the risk factors associated with renal failure are the same as NSAIDs (listed
above).Error: Reference source not found
Concern about loss of antiplatelet activity with COX-2 inhibitor group may contribute to
excess cardiovascular complication, especially in the elderly who are at a higher risk of
cerebral and vascular thrombosis.Error: Reference source not found
Concomitant use of low dose aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis appears to diminish
COX-2 inhibitor gastroprotective effect.
There are no RCTs to compare the efficacy of different COX-2 inhibitors.Error: Reference
source not found
Haq et al report that the estimated cost of switching high-risk patients with OA to COX-2
inhibitors would lead to an estimated incremental cost of £25 million to the NHS.Error:
Reference source not found
COX-2 inhibitors are widely used in the US and Europe, and are currently ‘block buster’
drugs on the pharmaceutical market, however the most cost effective strategy for their
use is still unclear.Error: Reference source not found
Both ACR and EULAR state that patients who are at an increased risk of gastrointestinal
complications, COX-2 inhibitors or NSAIDs plus a gastroprotective agent may be
used.Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
Topical agentsError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found
According to ACR and EULAR guidelines, topical NSAIDs and topical capsaicin have
clinical efficacy and are safe.
BMJ clinical review concludes that topical NSAIDs reduce pain compared to placebo,
however limited evidence was found that capsaicin improves pain compared to placebo.
Topical treatment is an additional option for patients who have inadequate control with
oral agents or who require local treatment. However, further well-conducted trials are
needed in this area.
Corticosteroids/glucocorticoidsError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error:
Intra-articular, long acting corticosteroids are widely used in the management of knee
OA.
The short-term therapy is considered to be beneficial in patients who have local
inflammation and swollen joints.
Injections may be used as monotherapy or in combination with systemic drugs.
There are no RCTs comparing the effectiveness of combination therapy.
Most review articles that have evaluated intra-articular corticosteroids studies conclude
that there appears to be a short-term efficacy lasting 2-4 weeks compared to placebo.
A systematic review and one RCT found limited evidence that intra-articular
corticosteroids reduced pain for 1-4 weeks.
6.12-14
6.12: Osteoarthritis
There is evidence that intra-articular injections are effective with short-term relief.
However, the evidence for predictors of response remains unclear and further studies are
needed to determine this.
ACR guidelines recommend no more than 3- 4 injections per year and should be reserved
for disease flares only.
Infection into the OA joint is considered to be a rare complication associated with this
intra-articular corticosteroid therapy.
Current recommendations are to use intra-articular steroids when other analgesics and
NSAIDs are ineffective or contraindicated.
Glucosamine. Glucosamine, an aminosaccharide, can be administered orally,
intramuscularly, or intra-articularly. There are numerous glucosamine preparations on
the market. Most studies have evaluated glucosamine sulfate. Most of these studies have
6.12-15
6.12: Osteoarthritis
shown a variable response in the relief of pain compared to placebo with various dosage
forms. However, there is limited literature on the adverse effects or long-term effects of
these drugs. Glucosamine also has a slower onset of action compared to NSAIDs and the
pharmacology by which it exerts pain relief still remains unclear.Error: Reference source
not found, 27 A Cochrane review of RCTs evaluating the effectiveness and toxicity of
glucosamine determined there is evidence that glucosamine is effective, but further
research is necessary.Error: Reference source not found Further research is also needed
in the following areas: assessment of the long-term efficacy and safety; effectiveness,
relative purity and content of the different glucosamine preparations; who would most
benefit from glucosamine and finally, what are the appropriate doses and routes of
administration to both maximize efficacy while limiting adverse effects.Error: Reference
source not found, Error: Reference source not found
Chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin, derived from bovine and calf cartilage has an oral
bioavailability of about 10%. Compared to NSAIDS, chondroitin has a delayed onset and
therapeutic response.Error: Reference source not found A metaanalysis of chondroitin
sulphate concluded that this product may be effective in OA, but further investigation in
larger RCTs for longer time periods are needed to prove its effectiveness as a symptom
modifying drug in OA.Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, 28
Collagen hydrolysate: Collagen hydrolysate may be beneficial in the treatment of OA, since
it contains amino acids that may play a role in the development of collagen. They are
available, however, in the form of food supplements and there is very limited evidence to
clinically demonstrate their effectiveness.Error: Reference source not found
Diacerein: Reviews of RCTS of diacerein, an interleukin-1 inhibitor showed that it was
effective in reducing pain.29 There have been few reported adverse effects with this drug.
Diacerein’s role in the management of OA still needs to be determined. The drug may
have the potential as an add-on therapy to NSAIDs or viscosupplements.Error: Reference
source not found
Avacado/Soybean unsaponifiable residues (ASU):ASU is a compound consisting of avocado
oil and soybean. Invitro studies have shown that this compound has an inhibitory effect
on a number of molecules that may affect OA. There is, however, very limited evidence
showing its effectiveness. The compound is available and used in France. Well-conducted
trials are needed to evaluate the potential of this compound in the management of OA. 30
Herbals31, 32, 33
Long L et al, conducted a systematic review of herbal medicines for the treatment of
osteoarthritis. Studies in the review examined: articulin F, capsaicin cream, devils claw,
eaymov, gitadyl, phytodolor, reumalex and stinging nettle leaf.
Promising evidence was found for the effective use of some herbal preparations in the
treatment of OA. Also, there is some evidence that these preparations may reduce the use
6.12-16
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment of osteoarthritis is usually considered after failure of nonsurgical
therapies. There are four surgical procedures: osteotomy, arthroscopy, arthrodesis and
arthroplasty. The four procedures have different indications and variable benefits. Total joint
arthroplasty, the most surgically advanced in OA treatment, is the mainstay of surgical
treatments.Error: Reference source not found Total joint replacement is highly successful
and by most measures among the most effective of all medical interventions. Pain, and
disability of end-stage OA can be eliminated, restoring patients to near-normal function, and
this operation is highly cost-effective.Error: Reference source not found The most common
failures of total joint replacement surgery include aseptic loosening and osteolysis, which
occur as a result of the corrosion between the implanted material and the cells.Error:
Reference source not found Currently there are no RCTs, which have compared surgery with
nonsurgical intervention. Although EULAR acknowledges the difficulties in study design,
the expert committee recommends that predictors of response, indications for joint
replacement, effect of different surgical techniques and long-term effect of joint prosthesis
should be examined. Furthermore, postoperative care and outcome assessment should also
be studied for these procedures.Error: Reference source not found
6.12-17
6.12: Osteoarthritis
The total cost, treatment, complications and the disability that result from arthritis is
estimated at $65 billion. Of this, the estimated medical costs are $15 billion annually,
which include physician visits and hospitalisations. The remaining balances are indirect
costs resulting from wage losses.Error: Reference source not found
Table 2. Risk Factors for Incidence and Progression of OsteoarthritisError: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference
Risk factor
Age Normal ageing process causes increases progression
27% of those aged 63-70 had radiographic evidence of knee OA,
increasing to 44% in over 80 age group
Trauma Collateral ligament, meniscal tears and joint fractures lead to
increased risk for OA
Men with a history of known injury were at 5-6 fold increased risk of
developing OA
Occupation More common in those performing heavy physical work
Dockers, miners and farmers found to have OA
Exercise High impact sports present an increase for OA
Gender and Men under the age of 50 have a higher prevalence and incidence
ethnicity Women over 50 have a higher prevalence and incidence (menopause
may be a trigger. However there is conflicting evidence if hormone
replacement therapy protects against OA)
Difference is less marked after the age of 80
Generally more common in Europeans than in Asians
Genetics There is genetic susceptibility to the disease
Children of parents with early onset OA are at a higher risk of
developing OA themselves
Obesity Strongest modifiable risk factor
Being overweight at an average age of 36-37 is a risk factor for
6.12-18
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Risk factor
developing knee OA
Diet Threefold increase risk of progression of OA for people in the lower
decile of vitamin C and D blood levels
Bone density Increasing bone density may lead to increased loading through
weight bearing joint cartilage
Trends
Increasing age and extended life expectancy will most likely result in greater incidence
and prevalence of OA. The burden will be greatest in developing countries where life
expectancy is increasing, but access to therapy is not readily available.Error: Reference
source not found, Error: Reference source not found
6.12-19
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Growth factors. Growth factors are being evaluated in the management of OA and its
affect on cartilage.Error: Reference source not found , Error: Reference source not found Refer to Annex
6.12. for more information.
Alternative medicines: The US Congress created The National Center of Complementary
and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) given the growing use of alternative medicines.
Currently NCCAM and the National Institute of Health (NIH) are supporting a large
RCT evaluating the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin in the treatment of
OA.Error: Reference source not found
6.12-20
6.12: Osteoarthritis
6.12-21
6.12: Osteoarthritis
These studies bridge the range of research from basic science to Phase IV studies.
6.12-22
6.12: Osteoarthritis
Complementary and alternative medicines are of great interest to consumer groups affected
with OA.Error: Reference source not found In the US, complementary and alternative
medicines are the most rapidly growing area at the NIH (National Institute of Health). There
is substantial research opportunity potential in this area.46
The following are areas that need research:Error: Reference source not found, Error: Reference source not
found
Strengthen evidence-based medicine by closing the gap between molecular research and
clinical disease research for OA.
Drug development in OA has been lacking, because in order to diagnose, monitor and
develop treatments for OA, researchers and drug companies require effective
biochemical and imaging markers to assess disease progression. Current evaluation
methods of x-rays and blood tests are insufficient to determine the progression and
outcome of new treatments. As a result, a recent US-based public private partnership,
called the osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), intends to combine resources for the purpose of
finding biological markers related to the progression of OA. OAI will collect data over
the next 5-7 years on individuals at high risk for the development of OA. This data will
be used for the development of potential new OA treatments. OAI is a combined effort in
the US by NIH (National Institute of Health), GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Novartis
Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Pfizer. OAI will provide approximately 8 million
dollars annually to six clinical research centres to establish and maintain a database of
OA, which will include evaluation data, radiological images and a biospecimen
repository. All the data will be available to researchers worldwide. 47
improvement in the level of evidence and the observed treatment effect of drugs. On the
other hand, there are numerous unpublished studies. Emphasis on most peer review
journals is about the statistically significant effect of these treatments. To answer this and
to determine the level of efficacy, trials should compare the observed effect of new
treatments to conventional drugs such as NSAIDs.
9. Conclusion
The prevalence of OA is increasing and this places a globally major burden on individuals;
health systems, and social care systems. OA, the most common arthritis condition, is a major
cause of impaired mobility and disability for the ageing populations. While there are several
drugs available on the market that mitigate pain and improve function, there are no drugs
that can cure, reverse or halt disease progression. OA is also now regarded as a complex
disease whose etiology is not completely understood. In addition there are also several areas
where information is still lacking; these include epidemiology, path physiology,
environmental risk factors, genetic predisposition and lifestyle. Information related to these
topics may assist in the overall management and planning of this disabling condition. There
are a number of drugs in the pipeline under development and several studies also evaluating
alternative therapies. There are, however, several drugs on the market whose clinical
effectiveness and long-term safety still need to be determined. This is especially important
since OA requires long disease management and the disease primarily affects people over
the age of 60, who are most prone to drug toxicity. In addition, data is lacking about the
therapeutic effectiveness of certain drugs within a class as well as between classes.
Information on the impact of the disease to society and both the cost of medicines and cost of
disease management (including pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments) need
to be evaluated. Finally, while there is substantial research in this area, most experts
emphasize that research into new diagnostics, biomarkers and imaging technology is going
to be important and useful for the management of OA and the development of disease
modifying drugs.
6.12-24
6.12: Osteoarthritis
10. References
6.12-25
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http://www.arthritis.org/conditions. Arthritis Foundation. Accessed February 11, 2004.
2
Jordan KM, Arden NK, Doherty M, Bannwarth B, et al. EULAR Recommendations 2003: An Evidence Based
Approach to the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Report of a Task Force of the Standing Committee for
International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis. 2003; 62:1145-1155.
3
http://www.rheumatology.org/publications/guidelines/oa-mgmt/oa-mgmt.asp?aud=mem. The American
College of Rheumatology (ACR). Last accesses February 18, 2004. Altman RD, Hochberg MC, Moskowitz RW,
Schnitzer TJ. Recommendations for the medical management of Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Arthritis and
Rheumatism. 2000; 43(9) 1905-1915.
4
Haq I, Murphy E, Darce J. Osteoarthritis. Postgrad Med J 2003; 79:377-383.
5
Wolf AD, Pfleger B. Burden of Major Musculoskeletal Conditions. Policy and Practice. Special Theme-Bone and
Joint Decade 2000-2010. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2003, 81 (9): 646-656.
6
http://www.arthritis.org/ari/state/default.asp. Arthritis and Rheumatism International. State of the World.
7
Brandt KD Non-surgical Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Half Century of “Advances”. Ann. Rheum. Dis 2004; 63:
117-122
8
http://www.arthritis.org/ari/state/default.asp. Arthritis and Rheumatism International. Kuder A. State of the
World. Last accessed February 12, 2004.
9
http://www.niams.nih.gov/ne/oi/oaepipappen_a.htm. National Institute of Health (NIH). National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Last accessed 2004-02-19
10
Prevalence and impact of arthritis among women—United States 1989–1991. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
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