Understanding Osteoarthritis Pain
Molecular Pathways of Pain Generation in Osteoarthritis
This research aims to understand how pain develops in osteoarthritis and how a specific protein, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), affects both pain and joint health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that causes chronic pain, and current treatments often don't fully help. A protein called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) has shown promise in reducing OA pain in clinical trials. However, some patients experienced rapid joint damage when NGF was blocked, and we don't yet understand why this happens. This project uses advanced techniques to explore how NGF affects both pain signals and the health of the joint itself. Our goal is to uncover the detailed ways NGF interacts with nerve cells and other joint components to better understand its role in both pain and joint protection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to adults aged 21 and older who experience osteoarthritis pain.
Not a fit: Patients without osteoarthritis or those not experiencing pain from the condition may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer and more effective pain relief for people with osteoarthritis by helping develop treatments that target pain without harming joints.
How similar studies have performed: While neutralizing antibodies targeting NGF have shown strong pain relief in clinical trials, they have also been associated with a serious side effect of joint damage, indicating a need for deeper understanding.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malfait, Anne-Marie — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Malfait, Anne-Marie
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 below.