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Small molecule therapeutics for inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases: Past, present
Yangwu Chen1, Jiayun Huang1, Chenqi Tang1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310009, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; Orthopaedics Research Institute of Zhejiang Univerisity, China; Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang 310000, China; China Orthopaedic Regenerative Medicine (CORMed), Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases (ICMDDs) like osteoarthritis and tendinopathy often results in morbidity and disability, with consequent heavy socio-economic burden. Current available therapies such as NSAIDs and glucocorticoid are palliative rather than disease-modifying. Insufficient systematic research data on disease molecular mechanism also makes it difficult to exploit valid therapeutic targets. Small molecules are designed to act on specific signaling pathways and/or mechanisms of cellular physiology and function, and have gradually shown potential for treating ICMDDs. In this review, we would examine and analyze recent developments in small molecule drugs for ICMDDs, suggest possible feasible improvements in treatment modalities, and discuss future research directions.
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