A Novel Analgesic for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease affecting over 80% of the human
population above 75 years old and burdening health organizations worldwide. Osteoarthritis
is characterized by progressive joint degeneration resulting in chronic pain and loss of joint
function. Currently there is no cure for osteoarthritis; available treatments are only
symptomatic targeting pain and are associated with significant side effects, emphasizing the
need for new treatments.
Isovaline is a novel analgesic which showed remarkable effects in several mouse pain
models without producing central nervous system side effects. The current study will examine
the analgesic profile of isovaline in a mouse model of osteoarthritis; we will assess the
efficacy of isovaline in alleViating the signs of osteoarthritis and restoring the ability of the
monoiodoacetate-treated mice to exercise under voluntary and forced conditions. The effect
of isovaline will be compared to diclofenac, a commercially-available, commonly-used
antisteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bernard Macleod

Student:

Partner:

TherExcell Pharma Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: