NIH-funded research R01 grant

Metabolomic biomarker profiles for osteoarthritis

Official title: Metabolomic Profiling to Identify Candidate Biomarker Profiles and Molecular Endotypes for Osteoarthritis

Funded at Montana State University - Bozeman · NIH-11381970 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A research project at Montana State University looks for metabolite patterns in blood and joint fluid that could signal early osteoarthritis before symptoms become severe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMontana State University - Bozeman
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Bozeman, United States)
Project startAugust 10, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$418,609
NIH project number5R01AR081489-04
Project IDNIH-11381970 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults at risk for OA or with early signs of joint pain who may provide blood and, when available, synovial fluid samples.

Less likely to help

Individuals without OA risk or early disease markers may not gain direct benefits from these biomarker discoveries.

What this research studies

This project uses metabolomic profiling to search for biomarker patterns in blood plasma and synovial fluid that reflect early osteoarthritis. By analyzing small molecules produced by joint cells, researchers hope to identify a panel that could indicate disease before it progresses. The goal is to create biomarkers that clinicians can use to detect OA early and guide treatment decisions. The work combines advanced lab analysis with patient-relevant outcomes to move toward earlier and more precise care for OA.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get earlier diagnosis and more targeted interventions to slow or prevent OA progression.

How similar studies have gone: Previous OA biomarker studies have identified candidate markers, but none are FDA-approved, making this an area of ongoing development.

Where this research is happening

  • Montana State University - Bozeman
    Bozeman, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: June, Ronald Kent — Montana State University - Bozeman
  • Study coordinator: June, Ronald Kent

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.