Edinburgh Napier University

  Investigating new therapies for osteoarthritis: a collaboration between ENU and Guangzhou Medical University, China

Osteoarthritis is the most important ageing-related disease, estimated to affect 13% of the UK population, and 8% of the Chinese population. For this reason, osteoarthritis is a major financial, social and healthcare burden. Current osteoarthritis treatments are limited and largely consist of the use of painkillers and physiotherapy. In some individuals, osteoarthritis progresses to the extent that total joint replacement is required. Currently we are unable to identify those at risk of developing osteoarthritis. We are also unable to treat those at early disease stages. To change this, we must identify the genes, molecules and processes which cause osteoarthritis.