Investigating how environmental chemicals affect the development of hand osteoarthritis
Official title: Environmental Factors Associated with the Development of Osteoarthritis
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11055476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain chemicals found in everyday products might affect the development of hand osteoarthritis, with the goal of helping people understand who might be more at risk and finding better ways to manage the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,224 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081791-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing symptoms of hand osteoarthritis, particularly those with known exposure to PFAS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have hand osteoarthritis or have not been exposed to PFAS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are chemicals found in many everyday products, in the development of hand osteoarthritis. The study aims to explore how these substances may contribute to inflammation and changes in bone metabolism that lead to this painful condition. By examining the long-term effects of PFAS exposure, the research seeks to identify populations that may be more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis. This could help inform public health policies and lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment options for patients suffering from hand osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between PFAS exposure and osteoarthritis, suggesting that this research could build on existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Driban, Jeffrey B — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Driban, Jeffrey B
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.