Monday, September 11, 2017

Could this be the end of osteoarthritis? Australian scientists discover new drug to help cure degenerative disorder suffered by millions of people

Could this be the end of osteoarthritis? Australian scientists discover new drug to help cure degenerative disorder suffered by millions of people

• Scientists have found a new drug that could help eliminate osteoarthritis pain
• Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium could help eliminate the need for surgeries
• The drug was originally used to treat blood clots and urinary tract infections
• But a trial by Australian scientists found a 70 per cent reduction in bone pain

Millions of Australians suffering from pain could be set to find relief, after scientists discovered a new drug to help cure osteoarthritis.

The medication, called Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium, is being hailed as a breakthrough to those suffering from the degenerative disorder, the Herald Sun reports.

And by helping remove or delay the need for hip and knee replacements, it is also expected to save the Australian government more than $1.2billion.

Osteoarthritis is a illness that causes a person pain when the cartilage in bones begins to wear thin.

But a new study, to be published in the BioMed Central's Journal of Musculoskeletal Disorders shows a 70 per cent reduction in pain using the new medication.

The drug was reportedly discovered by Australian scientist Professor Peter Ghosh and Australian company Paradigm Biopharma and could help eliminate the need for up to 75,000 surgeries.

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium has been prescribed by doctors for years, however it is usually used to treat blood clots and urinary tract infections.

Australian scientist Dr Jegan Krishnan helped discover the new use for the drug and said it could work by looking at the cause of osteoarthritis.

'It may have anti-inflammatory activities, it seems addressing the bone marrow lesions gives symptomatic relief,' he said.

Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by DAILYMAIL

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