Injectable hydrogel relieves osteoarthritis pain and repairs cartilage in preclinical tests

Article excerpt

Researchers at Yale discovered that an injectable hydrogel containing lacosamide, a medication already approved for treating nerve pain, can both relieve osteoarthritis pain and repair damaged cartilage in preclinical tests. The finding, published in Bioactive Materials, offers promise for the millions struggling with the degenerative joint disease, which current treatments only temporarily manage without halting deterioration. The dual-action approach targets the root problem rather than merely masking symptoms, potentially transforming how doctors approach a condition that causes daily stiffness and aching.