Biological Therapy for Osteoarthritis, Efficacy and Safety: Focus on Monoclonal Antibodies against Nerve Growth Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor-18

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic progressive musculoskeletal disease, affected cartilage, and surrounded tissues: Subchondral bones, ligaments, and meniscus. Current OA treatment based on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen (paracetamol), opioids, and intra-articular corticosteroid injections do not prevent the progression of the disease. Understanding of the pathogenesis of OA with continued structural damage accompanied by chronic pain led to appearance of monoclonal antibodies to fibroblast growth factor-18 (FGF)-18 and anti-nerve growth factor (NGF). This review provides an overview of biological therapy with FGF-18 and anti-NGF for OA. Search process was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar for the following terms: “FGF-18” or “anti-NGF” and “OA,” “monoclonal antibody” and “OA.” Results of the analysis of clinical trials revealed that therapy targeting NGF resulted in significant analgesic effect and functional improvement of joints in OA; however, it was associated with considerable increase in adverse events. The mon\oclonal antibody to FGF-18 demonstrated the structure-modifying effects on cartilage with decrease the cartilage loss and improvement of cartilage thickness. However, further clinical longitudinal studies characterized the risk-benefit are needed to establish safety and efficacy of these medications.