Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which inflammation occurs in joints. Knees, hips and hands are frequently affected. The disease is accompanied by pain, stiffness and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis is widespread and affects around 520 million people worldwide.

Animal experiments continue to play a central role in research into osteoarthritis and possible forms of therapy and are associated with high levels of severity and therefore stress for the animals. Various animal species such as mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and pigs are used to simulate the course of the disease and test treatment options. An animal-free model is urgently needed in this area.

We are supporting the development of a dynamic cartilage-on-chip system based on human cells to identify molecular mechanisms and new drug inhibitors of cartilage calcification in osteoarthritis.