Osteoarthritis and Joint Defects

From defect to discovery: advancing joint health through fundamental and translational research

Osteoarthritis is a progressive joint disorder characterised by the degeneration of articular cartilage, remodeling of the underlying bone, and chronic local inflammation. Dogs, horses, and humans are commonly affected, making osteoarthritis one of the leading causes of chronic pain and reduced mobility across species. Cartilage defects—whether caused by trauma, developmental abnormalities, or degenerative processes—disrupt the smooth, load-bearing surface of the joint. Because articular cartilage has a very limited intrinsic capacity for repair, cartilage defects without proper treatment progress to widespread joint degeneration. Osteoarthritis results in lameness, stiffness, and reduced quality of life. In veterinary and human healthcare it is a major source of disability and socioeconomic burden. Understanding the mechanisms of cartilage damage and repair, as well as developing regenerative therapies are therefore key priorities in our research.

Therapies inspired by nature

To understand the structural role of the osteochondral unit, i.e., the articular cartilage and the underlying bone, we are investigating the build-up of these tissues in different mammals ranging from mice to whales and elephants. We have built a “cartilage tissue biobank” with tissues of over one hundred different mammalian species collected, underscoring the specific loading-related differences between aquatic and terrestrial mammals. Mammals living on land or in water experience hugely differing loading conditions, which can be supposed to affect their skeletal system. Some differences in structure of both the cartilage and bone component of the osteochondral unit have been demonstrated between mammals living on land and water. However, data are limited and semi-aquatic mammals, which bridge the divide between an aquatic and terrestrial lifestyle, have not yet been researched. The possible adaptations of the osteochondral unit from aquatic, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial mammals to their loading environment are still poorly understood.

We study the differences in bone and cartilage structure between mammals living on land or in water, hoping to develop durable regenerative therapies for joint restoration in our patients

Regenerative (osteo)chondral implants

In cartilage, structural support is provided by collagen networks with specific architectures, which heal insufficiently or not at all in poorly or non-vascularised tissues. The most outspoken and clinically highly relevant example is the type 2 collagen Benninghoff arcades in articular cartilage, which have no natural regenerative properties. Current available therapies (often based on the administration of cells and/or biomaterials), do only provide the tissue components or “building blocks” and not its architecture that is imperative for the tissue’s mechanical performance.

Therefore, we develop regenerative solutions that do not only focus on replacing defects with tissue of the same composition, but also of tissue with sufficient mechanical strength. With our biofabrication-based approaches, we aim to further guide the structural collagen network of the tissue, and to durably restore its architecture and achieve “true” regeneration.

If we can recreate the cartilage better and have repairs properly integrated into the rest of the joint, the joints will remain healthy for longer

Local Delivery of Medication

Joint pain caused by osteoarthritis has a profound impact on the quality of life, limiting mobility and daily functioning of animals and humans. Standard treatments, such as oral medications, often provide only temporary relief. High daily doses are typically required for the drug to reach the affected joint/disc, which can lead to undesirable side effects with long-term use. Similarly, injections into the joint offer limited benefit, as the medication is not effectively retained within the joint space. To address these limitations, our research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems that can provide local, targeted, and sustainable treatment. These systems are designed to reduce side effects while improving therapeutic outcomes. We are exploring two innovative approaches: 
 

  •  the use of lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA-based therapies to inflamed joints;
  • the development of biodegradable microparticles for controlled, sustained drug release.

Furthermore, we explore in a collaborative effort, the feasibility and efficacy of gene therapy. These strategies aim to treat joint inflammation, a central feature of osteoarthritis. The goal is to achieve more effective, localised, and durable relief for individuals living with chronic osteoarthritis.

We are developing advanced drug delivery systems that improve treatment effectiveness and reduce adverse side effects

Our team members