Are there promising biologic therapies for osteoarthritis?

A large unmet need exists for desirable pharmacologic therapeutic interventions for osteoarthritis (OA). Developers of these interventions should be mindful of the current status of therapeutic interventions and focus on the mechanics of the joint and tissues of symptom origin. Much of the pathophysiology of the joint is still poorly understood, particularly as it relates to tissues other than hyaline articular cartilage. Improved knowledge of the role of these tissues (especially bone, fat, and synovium) in OA pathophysiology will likely yield treatment breakthroughs. This review discusses promising biologic therapies for the treatment of OA. Investigators are developing promising therapies, but we need to pay heed to the lessons learned thus far if new therapies are to be effective.