Constrained crystaline growth factors for therapy of synovial joint surface defects

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a huge problem to the affected individual and the healthcare system. In the UK, 29% of adults over 45 have OA, of which 9% is severe (Arthritis Research UK) – equating to 6.5m people. It can cause severe pain in joints, for example the hip and the knee where and can cause great difficulty walking. No current treatment exists for OA with most patients needing a joint replacement. Early in the process, defects can occur in the surface of the joint, the cartilage which contribute to the developmemnt of OA. This study aims to develop a new way of repairing and regenerating cartilage defects. We will use proteins, called growth factors, that are known to help cartilage healing, and will surround them in a new covering inspired by nature, called a polyhedron protein packages (PODS). PODS allows the molecule to be released slowly which we hope will make them better able to heal the cartilage. The anticipated outcome of this project will be to provide vital data on the how effective the new treatment is. This will allow investment to be sought to make these treatments in large amounts and move to the first trials in people with OA.