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Dr Laurent Grange (Rheumatologist)
Thanks to a study involving surgeons, geneticists and clinicians, a new therapeutic target for hand osteoarthritis has been discovered. A drug already available, talarozole, has given very encouraging results in animals. Update with Dr. Laurent Grange, rheumatologist and member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
Osteoarthritis affects 10 million French people, particularly in the knees, feet and hands. Despite its frequency, no treatment prevents or reverses this condition. But new research and the updating of certain molecules could bring new hope. A team of scientists from Oxford have studied a common genetic variant linked to severe osteoarthritis of the hands. Research that could benefit many patients.
Hand osteoarthritis: a common disease mainly in women
Hand osteoarthritis is a common disease, which mainly affects women, especially at the time of menopause. We currently have no effective treatment that effectively relieves symptoms or stops joint deformity and stiffness.
The researchers started by studying a common genetic variant already linked to severe hand osteoarthritis. Using around 30 samples taken during routine hand surgery, as well as a number of experimental models, they were able to identify a key molecule that is particularly rare in people “at risk “, called retinoic acid.
Will Talarozole be able to change treatment?
On the strength of this discovery, research continued on mice by administering them talarozole, an agent that will promote the presence of retinoic acid in the joints. Result: Talarozole was able to suppress joint inflammation in vivo 6 hours after knee joint destabilization in mice and to reduce cartilage degradation and osteophyte formation after 26 days (osteophytes are localized bone growths in the joints, secondary to degenerative joint diseases, mainly osteoarthritis).
“This research is still in its early stages, but with these encouraging findings, we are getting closer to the ability to develop a new class of disease-modifying drugs to treat osteoarthritis, prevent chronic pain and enable people to live well with this condition”concludes Dr. Issar-Brown.
A promising study…among others
The research is interesting but remains above all proof of a boiling point in the field of the fight against osteoarthritis and pain. For Laurent Grande, rheumatologist at the Grenoble University Hospital and member of the Doctissimo expert committee, there is currently a real interest in finally finding a treatment, against osteoarthritis of the hand in particular:
“The drug tested here is part of the ten or fifteen molecules studied at this very moment. Research is also testing botulinum toxin, infiltrations, stimulation of the vagus nerve to reduce pain… In Grenoble, we are testing a bracelet that sends millimeter waves against chronic pain. In short, it is a field where we innovate, but unfortunately, for the moment, the ideal treatment does not exist.”
In the event that talarozole confirms its action against osteoarthritis, the doctor also advises to be patient. Currently being tested on mice, this drug will not be tested in humans for several years.
Digital osteoarthritis: solutions exist to relieve pain
As of today, however, solutions to relieve your hands exist, based on mobility and physical activity. Our expert advises:
“Using a foam ball to maintain mobility, or kneading slightly heated food lentils would have an analgesic effect and helps to mobilize the joints”.
Simple recipes far from a magic molecule, which allow you to keep a little flexibility on a daily basis.