FDA-approved epilepsy drug may reverse osteoarthritis cartilage damage

Yale researchers found that lacosamide blocks the Nav1.7 sodium channel, reducing pain and reversing cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. Delivering the drug into the joint via a collagen II hydrogel boosted its effects and released it gradually over weeks.

• Lacosamide blocks the Nav1.7 sodium channel active in chondrocytes in osteoarthritis
• An optimal low dose promotes cartilage building and suppresses tissue breakdown
• A collagen II hydrogel keeps the drug in the joint and releases it over weeks
• No FDA-approved drug currently treats both osteoarthritis pain and cartilage loss