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Osteoarthritis of the knee to be treated by mRNA injection; Japanese startup to conduct clinical trial in September
Osteoarthritis of the knee, including undiagnosed patients, is estimated to affect 30 million people. Osteoarthritis is a major cause of gait disturbance in the elderly, but there is no fundamental drug treatment for the disease, making it one of the Unmet Medical Needs. The mRNA drug developed by Prof. Keiji Itaka of Osaka University (iCONM Principal Research Scientist), who is active in the CHANGE R&D Theme 3, has been evaluated for efficacy and safety in mice, and a clinical trial will be started in Australia in September. This was reported in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun dated August 8.
Gait disturbance can greatly impair quality of life. If it is possible to repair and regenerate rough knee joints and make them smooth by administering drugs locally, it is expected to extend healthy life expectancy.
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