Epilepsy drug shows potential to reverse osteoarthritis joint damage

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that an existing epilepsy drug could help reverse joint damage caused by osteoarthritis. ScienceDaily reported that the medication, called lacosamide, appears to halt cartilage destruction while reducing pain. [1]

According to ScienceDaily, lacosamide works by targeting and blocking a specific protein involved in both joint pain signaling and the destruction of cartilage tissue. In preclinical trials, blocking this protein allowed damaged joints to move back toward a state of repair. [1]

Standard treatments for osteoarthritis, such as over the counter pain relievers and steroid injections, often help relieve symptoms temporarily. However, ScienceDaily noted that these conventional options do not stop or reverse the underlying physical damage to joints. [1]

Other anti-seizure medications exist for neurological conditions, such as levetiracetam, which is used to treat partial-onset, myoclonic, or tonic-clonic seizures. The new findings for lacosamide offer hope for millions of people whose daily activities are limited by chronic joint stiffness and pain. [1][2]