New Agent Blocks Substance That Causes Joint Destruction in Osteoarthritis

For Release at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11

For More Information, Contact:
Jim Moody
(404) 633-3777 until Nov. 6
(202) 371-4510 Nov. 7-12

New Agent Blocks Substance That Causes Joint Destruction in Osteoarthritis

A new agent blocks a key substance that helps cause cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis, according to research presented at the American College of Rheumatology National Scientific Meeting Nov. 9-12 in Washington, D.C.

Osteoarthritis, the "wear and tear" arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis and affects about 16 million people in the United States. It is generally associated with aging, and most people develop some symptoms of osteoarthritis by the time they are 70.

The breakdown of cartilage lining the joints causes pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. Current treatment includes therapies to reduce pain and increase mobility, but there are no drugs available to alter the natural progression of the disease.

Tissues in joints affected by osteoarthritis produce an excess of a chemical known as nitric oxide (no relation to nitrous oxide, or laughing gas). Researchers speculate that this chemical plays an important role in destruction of cartilage.

A new agent, L-NIL, targets the enzyme responsible for producing nitric oxide. Early test results indicate that by blocking this enzyme, L-NIL was able to slow the progression of osteoarthritis in dogs. Additionally, it suppressed other natural substances known to cause damage in joints, such as interleukin-1, metalloproteases and prostaglandins.

The research was conducted by Jean-Pierre Pelletier, MD, and colleagues at the Osteoarthritis Research Unit at the University of Montreal Hospital Center in Canada in collaboration with scientists from Monsanto/Searle. The research was supported by a grant from Monsanto/Searle.

Dr. Pelletier cautioned that these results are preliminary. Results of tests on animals are sometimes not duplicated in human clinical trials.

"Nevertheless, these findings are most interesting as drugs capable of slowing or stopping the body's production of nitric oxide may find some practical application in the treatment of osteoarthritis," Dr. Pelletier said.

The American College of Rheumatology is the professional organization for rheumatologists and health professionals who share a dedication to healing, preventing disability and curing arthritis and related rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders.

# # #