More than 200 leading
researchers committed to discovering new technologies and therapies to
prevent and treat arthritis will meet April 20 - 23 in Atlanta, GA, for the
2007 Arthritis Research Conference, organized by the Arthritis Foundation.
Some of the most promising and innovative research to be presented at the
conference pertains to using stem cells to advance cartilage regeneration
for patients with osteoarthritis. Other exciting developments include new
approaches to manipulating a special type of white blood cell known as the
B lymphocyte in ways that can diminish inflammation in diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis.
"As the nation's largest private, not-for-profit funder of arthritis
research, this conference is very exciting for all of us here at the
Arthritis Foundation," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the
Arthritis Foundation. "The three-day event is an opportunity for the best
and brightest minds in arthritis research to develop research
collaborations that will pave the way to a cure."
Scientists predict that recent revelations in the area of stem cell
research will lead to treatments that heal damaged cartilage and tissue,
thereby greatly reducing or eliminating the number of joint replacement
surgeries. Scientists hope introducing stem cells into areas where
cartilage and tissue are already damaged may initiate a process of
rebuilding healthy tissue and preventing further joint degradation. Many
are optimistic that treatments using stem cells to 'jump-start' tissue
regeneration will be available within the next decade.
One of the most significant advances in recent years has been the
development of biologics -- drugs which are based on substances produced by
living cells. This is an important and very successful example of a class
of biologic drugs that are now a common treatment for several types of
arthritis. The class of biologics known as TNF inhibitors, block the action
of one of the major mediators of inflammation in the body and have become
important treatments for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic
arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. TNF release results in inflammation of
the joints in patients with the diseases noted above. Research sponsored by
the Foundation is leading to therapies that can halt the chemical cascade
that leads to TNF production at very early stages of these diseases. This
approach can prevent the appearance of arthritis before any tissue damage
can occur.
"Combining the best and brightest minds in arthritis research and
advanced technologies for studying the cause of disease at its most basic
levels is enabling great advances," said Dr. John H. Hardin, chief
scientific officer of the Arthritis Foundation.
The three-day conference begins at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 20.
Researchers from across the country will share research, best practices and
theories that will propel the next generation of arthritis research. The
conference consists of three primary sessions:
-- Plenary Session: Translation in Arthritis Medicine
-- Basic Science Symposium: Signaling and Regulation in the Joint
-- Clinical Science Symposium: New Perspectives on Inflammatory Disease
About The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing
the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's
number- one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in
Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has chapters and 150 community service
points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit
contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380
million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals
take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing
public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to
improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation
arthritis
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