Understanding knee osteoarthritis damage and disease activity
Official title: Interpretation and Utility of Novel Composite Structural Endpoints of Cumulative Damage and Disease Activity in Knee Osteoarthritis
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11124755 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to track how knee osteoarthritis gets worse or better using advanced imaging, so that doctors can find better treatments that really help patients feel good.
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 | January 23, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $726,131 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR076411-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124755 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who are experiencing symptoms related to joint damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not experiencing significant symptoms or those with other unrelated joint conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better define and measure the progression of knee osteoarthritis using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques. It aims to create a composite outcome that captures various structural changes in the knee, such as cartilage damage and bone marrow lesions. By identifying how much change in these measures correlates with meaningful improvements or worsening of symptoms, the research seeks to enhance the evaluation of new therapies for knee osteoarthritis. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies that slow or reverse knee osteoarthritis progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess joint conditions, but this specific composite approach is novel.
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.