THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY

September 30, 2008 09:01 ET

Canadian arthritis specialists see hope for new breakthroughs

More breakthroughs only possible with more research funding

Attention: Health/Medical Editor, News Editor TORONTO, ONTARIO, NEWS RELEASE --(Marketwire - Sept. 30, 2008) - Enormous advances have been made in improving the quality of life for Canadians with arthritis, but further breakthroughs will depend on a substantial increase in research funding, according to The Arthritis Society.

As The Arthritis Society celebrates 60 years of achievements during Arthritis Awareness Month, it has polled experts in arthritis by asking a sample of rheumatologists from the Canadian Rheumatology Association to assess both the progress of arthritis care and the likelihood of new discoveries. When asked to name the most significant breakthroughs of the past 60 years, respondents listed the development of:
* medications called biologics;
* steroids/corticosteroids;
* the medication called methotrexate; and
* joint replacement surgery.

These treatments have greatly improved the quality of life for people who fight the pain and disability of arthritis.

"Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in Canada and can have a devastating impact on people and their families," explains Steven McNair, President and CEO of The Arthritis Society. "We meet individuals every day that, without the treatments that have been discovered to date, could not get through the day. Current treatments, however, don't work for everyone, so continued research is vital."

Biologics are used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis. These medications can often prevent damage to the joints and help stop unbearable pain. Corticosteroids are used to help relieve the swelling and pain associated with inflammatory arthritis. Methotrexate slows down the process that is the driving force behind the persistent inflammation (pain, swelling and stiffness) in the joints caused by inflammatory arthritis. Joint replacement surgery, performed in cases of both degenerative (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory arthritis, removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint.

These breakthroughs have been lifesaving for many people with arthritis. "When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 36, it was as if my life had been ripped from me," recalls Catherine Hofstetter. "For nine years, the medications I was taking did little to relieve the agonizing pain. It was a struggle getting through every day. I had lost all hope by the time my doctor prescribed these newly discovered biologics in 2001. What happened then was extraordinary. After my second injection of biologics, I felt like a new person. I have now been able to reclaim so much of my life. I can make plans for the future, knowing that my arthritis is under control and that there's so much to live for."

The poll found rheumatologists optimistic about the potential for more breakthroughs in arthritis research and treatment in the near future. Indeed, a majority of them predict a groundbreaking new development within the next 15 years. Yet, an overwhelming number of those polled believe that these improvements will only come about through increased research funding. With nearly 4.5 million Canadians struggling with arthritis, and 60% of those under the age of 65, new treatment discoveries and a cure for arthritis are essential. The cost to the economy is staggering, with $4.4 billion attributed to arthritis.

"Arthritis affects people's livelihoods," continues Mr. McNair. "Without aggressive and successful treatments, some people with arthritis are so disabled that they are unable to work. That has a devastating impact on them, their families and our economy. Continuing to search for new treatments for arthritis is crucial to help the millions of people who battle this disease. The country needs to make a bigger financial investment in arthritis research to address this growing need."

When asked to anticipate the next milestone in osteoarthritis research, respondents named the development of disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is caused by the breakdown of cartilage within the joint, resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling. In severe cases, the result is painful bone-on-bone friction. While current treatments manage the symptoms of osteoarthritis, a disease-modifying therapy could potentially slow the progression of the disease and prevent long-term damage to the joint.

According to the same poll, rheumatologists believe that newer biologic medications will be the likeliest breakthrough in the treatment of inflammatory types of arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where an individual's own antibodies attack the lining of the joints, causing painful inflammation and stiffness. The condition can result in destruction of cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments.

"Newer biologics will offer more options for shutting down the inflammation that causes so much pain in this disease," explains Dr. Joanne Homik, Chair of The Arthritis Society's Medical Advisory Committee and Director of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta. "The reality is that people with inflammatory arthritis can't stay on the same medication forever. Newer biologics will be indispensable for those individuals who have exhausted existing treatments and still need something to control their disease and prevent irreversible damage to their joints."

Arthritis research over the past 60 years has lead to the discoveries that treat people today, but there is still no cure for arthritis. More funding is needed for arthritis research to help the millions of Canadians affected by this disease.

About The Arthritis Society

The Arthritis Society is Canada's principal arthritis health charity, which empowers the nearly 4.5 million Canadians with arthritis to live their lives to the fullest by combating the daily limitations of arthritis. In the last 60 years, The Society has invested $165 million towards arthritis research to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.

/For further information: www.arthritis.ca/ IN: HEALTH