Introduction
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic joint disease, characterized by gradual progressive damage of the whole joint, including synovial hyperplasia, articular cartilage loss, and osteophyte formation. 1 , 2 , 3 Due to pain, decreased mobility, and diminished joint function, OA significantly lowers the life quality of patients and poses financial pressure on society. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 Thus, the development of efficacious OA therapies is increasingly imperative.
There are three common approaches for OA treatment: pharmacological, non-pharmacological (such as physical therapy, moderate exercise, and assisted joint protection), and surgical therapies. Treatment for patients with OA often combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. 9 , 10 However, in end-stage OA, surgical treatment, such as partial/total joint replacement, is often the only available therapy. 11 Despite increasing insights into OA pathogenesis and the identification of potential targets, no treatment has yet been developed that selectively and effectively addresses these targets. A cure or disease-modifying therapy remains elusive—arguably the most significant unresolved challenge in the field. Although expanding knowledge of the signaling pathways involved in cartilage degradation has opened up opportunities for targeted therapies, the precise mechanisms driving the initiation and progression of OA are still not well understood. Decades of research into the cellular and molecular processes of OA have yet to yield a definitive breakthrough. 12 , 13 Various cellular receptors—such as wingless-related integration site (Wnt), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and nerve growth factor (NGF)—along with key signaling pathways and regulators like AMP-activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), bone morphogenetic protein, hypoxia-inducible factors, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, and interleukin-1 (IL-1)—may be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 Consequently, most targeted therapies for OA, particularly those based on recombinant proteins such as antibodies, are being developed to modulate these pathways.
Other agents that specifically bind to targets include aptamers. 18 , 19 Aptamers are synthetic short single-stranded nucleic acid sequences (ssDNA/RNA) with 40–100 nucleotides in length, which can bind to a broad spectrum of molecules with strong affinity and specificity, including proteins, peptides, nucleotides, antibiotics, toxins, and even small molecules 20 , 21 (see Figure 1 A). Aptamers are typically generated using an iterative, highly specific technique known as systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) (see Figure 1 B), which enables the identification of aptamers that selectively bind to their target molecules. 22 , 23 The SELEX technique was published 34 years ago by two independent research groups, 18 , 19 and a lot of improvements, such as capillary electrophoresis-SELEX, magnetic bead-based SELEX, and crossover SELEX, have been made since then to shorten the SELEX duration and make the screening process more cost-effective. In short, each SELEX round includes three main stages. Stage I—an aptamer library composed of a large number of random nucleic acid sequences (ssDNA or RNA), usually containing 10 9 –10 15 different sequences, 24 is incubated with the target molecules. Stage II—the unbound aptamers are discarded, after which the bound aptamers are recovered. Stage III—bound aptamers are eluted and amplified by PCR, and a new (enriched) aptamer library is created. 25 , 26 The amplified nucleic acid is then used for the next round of screening to gradually enrich aptamers with high affinity and specificity. The entire SELEX cycle is then repeated, resulting in a new (enriched) library each round. As the number of rounds is increased, an increase in binding affinity of the aptamer candidates is observed, and about 8–15 rounds are needed to reach a pool of aptamers with strong binding. 27 , 28 As a result, aptamers have been widely investigated as treatments, drug carriers, and diagnostic tools, and they have gained interest in the fields of functional genomics and bio-sensing. 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 Figure 1 Schematic overview of aptamer selection via SELEX and target binding (A) Binding of aptamer to its target through conformational recognition. Through the SELEX process, an aptamer forms a unique three-dimensional (3D) structure that enables specific binding to its target, functioning as a highly selective inhibitor. (B) The essential steps of a standard SELEX technique. SELEX, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; ssDNA, single-stranded DNA; dsDNA, double-stranded DNA; RNA, ribonucleic acid; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid.

Here, we review the advantages and disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and aptamers as emerging targeted treatment strategies for OA. We begin by examining recent advancements in mAb therapy for OA, including both past and ongoing clinical trials, and then summarize aptamer studies from various disease areas that could potentially be adapted for OA treatment. Finally, we provide a detailed comparison of mAbs and aptamers regarding their future applications in OA therapy, highlighting their respective clinical potentials. For a comprehensive overview of alternative molecular treatments for OA, see the review manuscript titled “Osteoarthritis: pathogenic signaling pathways and therapeutic targets” by Yao et al. 13
Selection of literature
The PubMed database ( www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed ) and clinical trial database of NIH (National Library of Medicine) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ) were used to select papers for inclusion in this narrative review. The following search key terms were employed for this purpose: conditions (osteoarthritis, arthritis, or OA), therapeutic agents (aptamer, antibody, or nucleic acid aptamers), and targets (IL-1, NGF, TNF, ADAMTS-5, or VEGF). To be included in this review, studies were required to be full-text articles published in English and contained at least one of the search terms in their title or abstract. Studies based on secondary analyses of previously published data from other articles or repositories were excluded. Literature reviews were not part of the data extraction process but were retained for contextual analysis and discussion.
According to our search, as of 2024, there are approximately 60 clinical trials worldwide focused on antibody-based therapies for OA. Among these, around 30 trials are currently ongoing, while approximately 15 trials have been terminated prematurely. This review highlighted an analysis of around 30 typical clinical trials investigating various mAb targets, including studies that are currently ongoing, completed, or terminated prematurely.
Monoclonal antibodies for OA treatment
mAbs, produced exogenously to mimic the function of their endogenous counterparts, are designed to neutralize harmful molecules, which is a part of pathophysiological processes. Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions have actively collaborated to advance mAbs development for OA treatment. These antibodies have been investigated for their ability to target specific molecules implicated in OA pathogenesis, such as IL-1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5), NGF, TNF, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (see Figure 2 ). 34 Several clinical trials have assessed the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of mAbs in mitigating symptoms and modifying disease progression. 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 Here, we provide an overview of recent clinical trials and related preclinical research with mAbs for OA treatment. Figure 2 Clinical trials summary of monoclonal antibodies for OA treatment IL-1, interleukin-1; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; NGF, nerve growth factor; ADAMTS-5, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5.

Anti-IL-1 mAbs
Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are frequently detected in the joints of OA patients and are considered key orchestrators of the inflammatory response. 39 Their levels are often elevated in OA synovial fluid, underscoring their significant role in the disease’s development and progression. 40 In addition to inhibiting the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans, 41 IL-1 accelerates the production of nitric oxide and free radicals 42 and induces the expression of extracellular matrix degrading proteases. As an inflammatory cytokine, IL-1 is also implicated in the activation of nociceptors in neuronal cells. 43 Thus, targeting IL-1 with mAbs in OA may be a potentially useful strategy for both pain relief and slowing the disease’s development (see Table 1 for a summary of anti-IL-1 mAbs trials for OA treatment). Table 1 Anti-IL-1 and anti-ADAMTS-5 mAbs for OA treatment Generic name Identifier (sponsor) Mechanisms Study phase Outcome Main findings Study design Last update Reference Canakinumab, ACZ885 NCT04814368 (Novartis) anti-IL-1 phase 2 (recruiting) not available not available intra-articularly injected canakinumab and/or LNA043 in knee OA patients 11-2023 – AMG 108 NCT00110942 (Novartis) – phase 2 (terminated) safety, uncertain efficacy no statistical difference between placebo and AMG 108 groups knee OA patients were given different dosage of placebo or AMG 108 subcutaneously once every 4 weeks for 12 weeks 06-2008 Cohen et al. 44 Lutikizumab (ABT-981) NCT01668511 (Novartis) – phase 1 (completed) safety, efficacy anti-inflammatory response (lower CRPs), injection site erythema (ABT-981 vs. placebo) three groups got ABT-981 (0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg) or placebo every other week, while one cohort got ABT-981 (3 mg/kg) or placebo each four weeks by SC injections in knee OA 11-2017 Wang et al. 45 M6495 NCT03583346 (Merck) anti-ADAMTS-5 phase 1 (completed) not available not available subcutaneous injections of M6495 in participants with knee OA 01-2020 – CRB0017 – preclinical efficacy CRB0017 decreased disease progression by delaying cartilage breakdown compared to vehicle-treated mice treated spontaneous OA male mice intra-articularly in each knee with CRB0017 for three months 11-2013 Wang et al. 46 GSK2394002 – preclinical not available ADAMTS-5 is the primary aggrecanase engaged in the breakdown of cartilage employed in vitro , ex vivo , and in vivo systems to evaluate aggrecanase inhibition, and modulation of disease-related endpoints, respectively, by co-incubation or intra-articular injection 09-2023 Larkin et al. 47 IL-1, interleukin-1; ADAMTS-5, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5; CRPs, C-reactive protein; SC, subcutaneous; OA, osteoarthritis.
Table 1
Anti-IL-1 and anti-ADAMTS-5 mAbs for OA treatment
IL-1, interleukin-1; ADAMTS-5, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5; CRPs, C-reactive protein; SC, subcutaneous; OA, osteoarthritis.
| Generic name | Identifier (sponsor) | Mechanisms | Study phase | Outcome | Main findings | Study design | Last update | Reference |
| Canakinumab, ACZ885 | NCT04814368 (Novartis) | anti-IL-1 | phase 2 (recruiting) | not available | not available | intra-articularly injected canakinumab and/or LNA043 in knee OA patients | 11-2023 | – |
| AMG 108 | NCT00110942 (Novartis) | – | phase 2 (terminated) | safety, uncertain efficacy | no statistical difference between placebo and AMG 108 groups | knee OA patients were given different dosage of placebo or AMG 108 subcutaneously once every 4 weeks for 12 weeks | 06-2008 | Cohen et al. 44 |
| Lutikizumab (ABT-981) | NCT01668511 (Novartis) | – | phase 1 (completed) | safety, efficacy | anti-inflammatory response (lower CRPs), injection site erythema (ABT-981 vs. placebo) | three groups got ABT-981 (0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg) or placebo every other week, while one cohort got ABT-981 (3 mg/kg) or placebo each four weeks by SC injections in knee OA | 11-2017 | Wang et al. 45 |
| M6495 | NCT03583346 (Merck) | anti-ADAMTS-5 | phase 1 (completed) | not available | not available | subcutaneous injections of M6495 in participants with knee OA | 01-2020 | – |
| CRB0017 | – | preclinical | efficacy | CRB0017 decreased disease progression by delaying cartilage breakdown compared to vehicle-treated mice | treated spontaneous OA male mice intra-articularly in each knee with CRB0017 for three months | 11-2013 | Wang et al. 46 | |
| GSK2394002 | – | preclinical | not available | ADAMTS-5 is the primary aggrecanase engaged in the breakdown of cartilage | employed in vitro , ex vivo , and in vivo systems to evaluate aggrecanase inhibition, and modulation of disease-related endpoints, respectively, by co-incubation or intra-articular injection | 09-2023 | Larkin et al. 47 |
Canakinumab (ACZ885) is a human immunoglobulin G kappa light chain (IgGκ) mAb that blocks IL-1β receptors. 36 A clinical trial ( NCT04814368 ) is currently underway to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of intra-articular canakinumab in patients with knee OA. This phase 2 study is actively recruiting participants, and no prior results have been published. However, canakinumab was generally well tolerated by patients with no significant adverse events in clinical studies for treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, Still’s disease, and gouty arthritis. 36 , 48 , 49 Canakinumab was superior to triamcinolone in terms of its ability to reduce the pain measured on the visual analogue scale score, serum amyloid A, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with acute gouty arthritis, as demonstrated in a meta-analysis. 48
Novartis has developed two anti-IL-1 mAbs, namely AMG 108 and lutikizumab (ABT-981). AMG 108, a fully humanized mAb of the immunoglobulin G2 subclass, specifically targets the IL-1 receptor type 1, effectively inhibiting the biological activities of both IL-1α and IL-1β isoforms. 44 A randomized, double-blind study ( NCT00110942 ) evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of subcutaneous AMG 108 injections in patients with knee OA. In this trial, patients receiving AMG 108 did not exhibit significant pain relief, leading to the discontinuation of the AMG 108 development program due to insufficient evidence of clinical efficacy. 44
ABT-981, which is also called lutikizumab, is an immunoglobulin G1 kappa light chain (IgG1/κ) subtype dual variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) that neutralizes IL-1α and IL-1β. 46 , 50 In a randomized phase 1 study ( NCT01668511 ), the safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics of ABT-981 were evaluated in patients with knee OA. Subcutaneous administration of ABT-981 elicited an anti-inflammatory response by significantly reducing absolute neutrophil counts, type I collagen, CRP, and levels of both IL-1α and IL-1β. However, this treatment was associated with a higher incidence of injection site redness compared to placebo. 45 Two phase 2 clinical studies ( NCT02087904 and NCT02384538 ) aimed to assess the safety and therapeutic effectiveness of ABT-981 in knee OA and treating erosive hand OA (interphalangeal joints), respectively. In trial NCT02087904 , IL-1 inhibition was generally ineffective as a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory treatment for most patients with knee OA, which indicates that a higher dose might be needed to achieve sufficient IL-1 blocking and synovitis amelioration. 37 Also, a clinical trial aiming to treat erosive hand OA by injecting ABT-981 subcutaneously failed to improve pain or imaging parameters indicative of structural effects when compared to placebo. 51 In conclusion, together with published results from studies of other IL-1 inhibitors, the limited amelioration in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score and the lack of synovitis improvement may indicate that most individuals with knee OA and synovitis do not benefit from IL-1 inhibition as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication. 52 , 53
Anti-ADAMTS-5 mAbs
Cartilage degradation is a hallmark of OA, primarily resulting from the breakdown of extracellular matrix components such as aggrecan and collagens. Aggrecanases, which belong to the ADAMTS family of enzymes present in chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts, play a key role in this process. 54 In human joints, two aggrecanases have been identified: ADAMTS-4 (aggrecanase-1) and ADAMTS-5 (aggrecanase-2). 55 , 56 , 57 Both enzymes share a similar domain structure that includes a pro-domain, a catalytic metalloproteinase domain, a disintegrin-like (Dis) domain, a cysteine-rich domain, and a spacer (Sp) domain, with ADAMTS-5 containing an additional thrombospondin (TS) domain following the Sp domain. ADAMTS-4 exhibits broader tissue distribution and higher expression levels in various adult tissues—particularly in the lungs, heart, and brain—while ADAMTS-5 shows a more restricted expression pattern, with substantial transcript levels predominantly in placental tissue. 58 Emerging evidence from preclinical studies has demonstrated distinct roles of ADAMTS proteases in cartilage degeneration across species. While ADAMTS-5 has been identified as the predominant aggrecans responsible for cartilage degradation in murine models, 59 accumulating evidence suggests that ADAMTS-4 may play a more significant role in the pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration in higher mammals, including humans. 60 , 61 , 62 Studies indicate that inhibiting both ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 may be a good strategy to obtain optimum therapeutic effectiveness in treating OA. 58 , 61 In line with this approach, the development of mAbs targeting these proteases is advancing rapidly, with two ADAMTS-5-specific mAbs (CRB0017 and GSK2394002) currently in preclinical evaluation and one candidate ( NCT03583346 ) progressing to clinical trials (see Table 1 for a summary of anti-ADAMTS-5 mAbs trials for OA treatment).
CRB0017 is highly selective for its antigen and exhibits exceptional affinity in the low nanomolar range. In male mice, intra-articular administration of CRB0017 twice over three months delayed cartilage degradation in a dose-dependent manner, thereby altering the progression of OA. 63 Despite these promising preclinical results, CRB0017 has not yet progressed to clinical trials. Similarly, GSK2394002—a mAb specifically targeting ADAMTS-5—is currently undergoing preclinical evaluation. 64 In murine models, administration of GSK2394002 not only inhibited structural disease progression but also significantly reduced pain-related behaviors. 47
M6495 represents an innovative bispecific nanobody therapeutic with dual molecular targeting capabilities. This 28.1 kilodalton (kDa) biologic agent is structurally composed of two engineered variable domains derived from heavy-chain-only llama antibodies. 65 , 66 The therapeutic’s unique design incorporates one domain specifically engineered to neutralize ADAMTS-5 activity, while the second domain facilitates binding to human serum albumin, thereby significantly extending its plasma half-life. Preclinical investigations have demonstrated M6495’s efficacy in inhibiting aggrecan degradation in human cartilage explant models, highlighting its therapeutic potential for OA treatment. 65 Furthermore, clinical trial data from phase 1/2 studies ( NCT03583346 and NCT03224702 ) have established M6495’s favorable safety profile and tolerability in OA patient populations, supporting its continued development as a promising therapeutic candidate. 67
Anti-TNF-α mAbs
OA chondrocytes and synovial cells release TNF-α, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, which sensitizes pain signaling and enhances the production of pain mediators such as prostaglandin E2 and NGF in synovial fluid and membrane. 68 , 69 In vitro , inhibiting TNF-α activity reduces the production of collagenase, matrix metalloproteinases, and other pro-inflammatory mediators in OA cartilage explants. 70 Three anti-TNF-α mAbs—adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept—have been tested for OA treatment (see Table 2 for a summary of anti-TNF-α mAbs trials for OA treatment). Table 2 Anti-TNF-α mAbs for OA treatment Generic name Identifier (sponsor) Study phase Outcome Main findings Methods and objectives Last update Reference Adalimumab NCT00597623 (Hôpitaux de Paris) phase 3 (completed) safety, but no efficacy adalimumab did not outperform a placebo on pain relief in individuals with hand OA who were not responding to analgesics and NSAIDs. patients received two subcutaneous injections of 40 mg adalimumab at intervals of 15 days, or a placebo, at random, and were followed for six months with hand OA 07-2012 Chevalier et al. 71 NCT00686439 (University of Alberta) phase 2 (completed) safety and efficacy adalimumab tends to be useful in lowering symptoms and signs of OA knee OA patients received subcutaneous injections of adalimumab over 12 weeks in an open-label study without control 06-2012 Maksymowych et al. 72 Infliximab NCT01144143 (Herbert Lindsley, MD) phase 4 (completed) safety and efficacy not available an RCT study of intra-articular infliximab (100 mg), placebo, and methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg) in knee OA patients 02-2018 – Golimumab – preclinical efficacy TNF-α was linked to the OA’s increasing hyaline cartilage degradation. Anti-TNF therapy treatment may alleviate chondrocyte damage use ex vivo chondrocytes model of inflammatory arthritis to reveal the anti-TNF therapy mechanism 08-2021 Park et al. 73 TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha; NSAIDs, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs; OA, osteoarthritis; RCT, randomized controlled trial.
Table 2
Anti-TNF-α mAbs for OA treatment
TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha; NSAIDs, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs; OA, osteoarthritis; RCT, randomized controlled trial.
| Generic name | Identifier (sponsor) | Study phase | Outcome | Main findings | Methods and objectives | Last update | Reference |
| Adalimumab | NCT00597623 (Hôpitaux de Paris) | phase 3 (completed) | safety, but no efficacy | adalimumab did not outperform a placebo on pain relief in individuals with hand OA who were not responding to analgesics and NSAIDs. | patients received two subcutaneous injections of 40 mg adalimumab at intervals of 15 days, or a placebo, at random, and were followed for six months with hand OA | 07-2012 | Chevalier et al. 71 |
| NCT00686439 (University of Alberta) | phase 2 (completed) | safety and efficacy | adalimumab tends to be useful in lowering symptoms and signs of OA | knee OA patients received subcutaneous injections of adalimumab over 12 weeks in an open-label study without control | 06-2012 | Maksymowych et al. 72 | |
| Infliximab | NCT01144143 (Herbert Lindsley, MD) | phase 4 (completed) | safety and efficacy | not available | an RCT study of intra-articular infliximab (100 mg), placebo, and methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg) in knee OA patients | 02-2018 | – |
| Golimumab | – | preclinical | efficacy | TNF-α was linked to the OA’s increasing hyaline cartilage degradation. Anti-TNF therapy treatment may alleviate chondrocyte damage | use ex vivo chondrocytes model of inflammatory arthritis to reveal the anti-TNF therapy mechanism | 08-2021 | Park et al. 73 |
Adalimumab, a fully humanized mAb, neutralizes TNF-α by blocking its interaction with TNF receptors. 74 While primarily used for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis, its effectiveness in OA is less established. 75 In individuals with hand OA who were unresponsive to analgesic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, adalimumab did not outperform a placebo when it came to relieving pain in a phase 3 clinical trial ( NCT00597623 ). 71 However, a phase 2 study in knee OA patients demonstrated significant improvements in joint swelling and WOMAC scores ( p < 0.0001), warranting further phase 3 randomized controlled trial (RCT). 72
A chimeric bivalent monoclonal antibody, infliximab, combines murine variable domains with human IgG1 and κ constant regions. 76 In a rabbit model, intra-articular injection of infliximab prevented the progression of induced OA by reducing TNF-α and nitric oxide levels in the synovial fluid, thereby mitigating cartilage degradation. 77 The safety and efficacy of infliximab were further evaluated in a phase 4, unbalanced, randomized, double-blind pilot study ( NCT01144143 ) for the treatment of knee OA. However, with only 16 patients enrolled, the study’s sample size may be too limited to provide robust evidence of its treatment effect, and no data or related publications are currently available. Consequently, larger and more comprehensive clinical trials are needed. Additionally, etanercept—a human recombinant TNF receptor fusion protein that inhibits TNF signaling—is under investigation in an ongoing clinical trial ( NCT02722811 ). 78 Similarly, golimumab, a human monoclonal antibody targeting TNF, has demonstrated in vitro efficacy as an efficient regulator of inflammatory markers and bone metabolism, markedly reducing levels of CRP, IL-6, and VEGF and alleviating cartilage matrix destruction in chondrocytes. 73 , 79 However, no clinical trials have been initiated with golimumab for OA treatment so far.
Anti-NGF mAbs
OA patients primarily seek medical attention for pain management, a critical factor influencing disability progression and joint replacement decisions. However, current pain management strategies are limited by the absence of medications that effectively alleviate pain without adverse effects. 79 NGF is a soluble protein that interacts with two different receptors on the surface of cells: the high-affinity NGF-specific tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkA) and 75 kDa neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). 80 NGF plays a crucial role in both pain signaling and neuronal survival. Its expression is upregulated by inflammation and injury, and elevated NGF levels have been linked to chronic pain disorders. 81 In OA patients, increased NGF concentrations in the joints suggest that anti-NGF therapy could offer an innovative approach to reducing persistent OA pain. 82 , 83 , 84 NGF-inhibitor mAbs, such as tanezumab, fasinumab, and fulranumab, have shown significant progress in clinical research for the treatment of OA by preventing NGF from interacting with its receptors, p75 and TrkA (see Table 3 for a summary of anti-NGF mAbs trial for OA treatment). Table 3 Anti-NGF and anti-VEGF mAbs for OA treatment Generic name Identifier (sponsor) Mechanisms Study phase Outcome Main findings Methods and objectives Last update Reference Tanezumab NCT00733902 (Pfizer) anti-NGF phase 3 (terminated) efficacy, but not safety joint damage or rapidly progressing osteoarthritis intravenous tanezumab, tanezumab in combination with an oral NSAID, an active comparator, or a placebo were administered to knee OA patients 03-2021 Hochberg et al. 85 NCT00809783 (Pfizer) phase 3 (terminated) 06-2012 Fulranumab NCT02289716 (Janssen Research & Development) phase 3 (terminated) subcutaneous injection in knee OA patients for 16 weeks 03-2019 Kelly et al. 86 Fasinumab NCT02447276 (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) phase 3 (terminated) patients with moderate-to-severe OA pain in the knee or hip were randomized to receive fasinumab (1, 3, 6, or 9 mg) or a placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks 11-2022 Dakin et al. 87 Bevacizumab – anti-VEGF preclinical efficacy directly inhibits catabolic processes evaluate the blocking effects of bevacizumab in articular cartilage from OA patients 01-2023 Nagai et al. 88 NGF, nerve growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; NSAID, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug; OA, osteoarthritis.
Table 3
Anti-NGF and anti-VEGF mAbs for OA treatment
NGF, nerve growth factor; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; NSAID, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug; OA, osteoarthritis.
| Generic name | Identifier (sponsor) | Mechanisms | Study phase | Outcome | Main findings | Methods and objectives | Last update | Reference |
| Tanezumab | NCT00733902 (Pfizer) | anti-NGF | phase 3 (terminated) | efficacy, but not safety | joint damage or rapidly progressing osteoarthritis | intravenous tanezumab, tanezumab in combination with an oral NSAID, an active comparator, or a placebo were administered to knee OA patients | 03-2021 | Hochberg et al. 85 |
| NCT00809783 (Pfizer) | phase 3 (terminated) | 06-2012 | ||||||
| Fulranumab | NCT02289716 (Janssen Research & Development) | phase 3 (terminated) | subcutaneous injection in knee OA patients for 16 weeks | 03-2019 | Kelly et al. 86 | |||
| Fasinumab | NCT02447276 (Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) | phase 3 (terminated) | patients with moderate-to-severe OA pain in the knee or hip were randomized to receive fasinumab (1, 3, 6, or 9 mg) or a placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks | 11-2022 | Dakin et al. 87 | |||
| Bevacizumab | – | anti-VEGF | preclinical | efficacy | directly inhibits catabolic processes | evaluate the blocking effects of bevacizumab in articular cartilage from OA patients | 01-2023 | Nagai et al. 88 |
Tanezumab, a humanized mAb against NGF, 89 has been studied in several large-scale, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trials for the treatment of OA pain in adults. These studies demonstrated that tanezumab significantly reduced pain and improved physical function compared to placebo. 90 The neurological safety of both intravenous and subcutaneous tanezumab was assessed across nine phase 3 clinical trials involving more than 5,000 OA patients ( NCT00733902 , NCT00744471 , NCT00830063 , NCT00863304 , NCT00863772 , NCT01089725 , NCT00985621 , NCT02697773 , and NCT02709486 ). Although tanezumab was associated with an increased risk of adverse events related to anti-phospholipid syndrome, such as hypoesthesia and paresthesia, it did not appear to induce widespread peripheral neuropathy. 38 , 91 However, the global clinical research program for tanezumab was ultimately terminated due to a higher incidence of rapidly progressive OA and an increased rate of total joint replacement compared to control groups. 85
Another anti-NGF mAb, fulranumab, selectively blocks NGF’s biological effects. Janssen Pharmaceutics conducted four phase 3 randomized studies in patients with hip and knee OA ( NCT02336685 , NCT02336698 , NCT02289716 , and NCT02301234 ) to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fulranumab. However, these trials were prematurely terminated due to an internal strategic portfolio decision, not because of any new safety concerns, according to the official report. Consequently, the limited number of participants precluded drawing any definitive conclusions regarding fulranumab’s effectiveness. 86 , 92
Fasinumab (REGH475), another fully humanized mAb, exhibits high binding affinity to NGF with minimal interaction with other neurotrophin family members. 93 A phase 2b/3 RCT ( NCT02447276 ) assessing the efficacy, tolerability, and joint safety of fasinumab in OA pain demonstrated that all tested doses significantly reduced pain and improved joint function compared to placebo—even in patients who had previously experienced limited benefits from other analgesics. 87 However, the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events, including paresthesia, arthralgia, and infections, was higher in the fasinumab groups compared to placebo.
In conclusion, NGF-inhibitor mAbs alleviate pain and inflammation by inhibiting NGF activity. However, the future of these drugs remains highly uncertain due to side effects, particularly in rapid progressive OA. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of their safety and long-term effects is still needed.
Anti-VEGF mAbs
VEGF/VEGF-A is well recognized for promoting angiogenesis, monocyte chemotaxis, increased vascular permeability, and vasodilation. 94 Elevated levels of VEGF expression have been observed in the articular cartilage, synovium, synovial fluid, subchondral bone, and serum in advanced stages of OA patients. 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 Pathological VEGF signaling in the joint, regulated by various mediators, has been linked to cartilage degradation, osteophyte development, subchondral bone cysts, and sclerosis. 101 , 102 Intra-articular antibodies against VEGF could decrease VEGF receptor (VEGFR) in chondrocytes and synovial cells, as well as inhibit angiogenesis and related nerve ingrowth at the joint to impede the advancement of OA and the resulting pain. 103 Bevacizumab, a commercially available mAb that blocks VEGF, is currently used to treat conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and various tumors. In a rabbit OA model, intra-articular injection of bevacizumab reduced cartilage degradation, osteophyte development, and synovitis 88 (see Table 3 for a summary of anti-VEGF mAbs trials for OA treatment). Moreover, in articular cartilage explants from OA patients, bevacizumab directly inhibited catabolic processes while enhancing anabolic activity, thereby exerting a protective effect on the cartilage. 104 However, bevacizumab is associated with a range of potential adverse events, including hypertension, proteinuria, bleeding, impaired wound healing, gastrointestinal perforation, and an increased risk of thromboembolic events (such as blood clots). 105 These safety concerns need to be carefully considered in any potential use of bevacizumab for OA treatment, and further research still might be needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in this context.
Promise of aptamers
Although antibodies have been extensively studied, several challenges remain to be addressed, including high costs, limited efficacy, adverse side effects, and the need for frequent administration. Aptamers, which are synthetic oligonucleotides that bind to specific targets, hold great promise in addressing these challenges. Their unique properties, such as high specificity, low immunogenicity, ease of modification, and cost-effective production, 106 suggest that they might provide innovative solutions to some of the limitations associated with antibodies, making them a valuable tool in diagnostics, therapeutics, and other biomedical applications.
Through years of development, two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved aptamer drugs have become commercially available so far: avacincaptad pegol and pegaptanib, also called Izervay and Macugen, respectively. 107 In 2004, the United States FDA granted approval for pegaptanib sodium (Macugen), an RNA aptamer that inhibits VEGF, to be used in the treatment of all forms of neovascular AMD. 108 , 109 In 2023, the FDA-approved avacincaptad pegol (Izervay), an innovative therapeutic agent developed by Iveric Bio, a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma Inc., for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to AMD. 107 It functions as a complement C5 inhibitor. 110 , 111 Currently, numerous promising aptamers have been investigated in clinical trials (see Table 4 for a detailed list of aptamers’ clinical trials), with many still ongoing, targeting various diseases (such as inflammatory conditions, coagulopathies, and tumors). Table 4 Aptamers on clinical trial as therapeutics Generic name and company Mechanisms Identifier (current status) Condition Reference Inflammation Emapticap pegol (NOX-E36)/(TME Pharma AG) anti-CCL2 NCT01547897 (phase 2, completed) type 2 diabetics with albuminuria Menne et al. 112 NCT01372124 (phase 1, completed) renal impairment – NCT00976729 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers – NCT010852929 (phase 1/2, completed) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Park et al. 113 Lexaptepid pegol (NOX-H94)/(TME Pharma AG anti-human hepcidin NCT01372137 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers Boyce et al. 114 NCT01522794 (phase 1, completed human endotoxemia van Eijk et al. 115 NCT01691040 (phase 2, completed) anemia of chronic disease in patients with cancer van Eijk et al. 115 NCT02079896 (phase 1/2, completed) ESA-hyporesponsive anemia in dialysis patients van Eijk et al. 115 Oncology Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12)/(TME Pharma AG anti-CXCL12 NCT00976378 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers van Eijk et al. 115 NCT01521533 (phase 2, completed) relapsed multiple myeloma van Eijk et al. 115 NCT01194934 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers – NCT01486797 (phase 2, completed) relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia Steurer et al. 116 NCT03168139 (phase 1/2, enrollment) metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer – NCT04121455 (phase 1/2, completed) incompletely resected, newly diagnosed GBM lacking MGMT methylation Giordano et al. 117 AS1411(AGRO001)/Antisoma anti-nucleolin NCT00512083 (phase 2, completed acute myeloid leukemia – NCT00740441 (phase 2, unknown) renal cell carcinoma Rosenberg et al. 118 NCT00881244 (phase 1, completed) advanced solid tumors – NCT01034410 (phase 2, terminated) primary refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia – Coagulation REG1 anticoagulation system (RB006 plus RB007)/Regado Biosciences coagulation factor IXa NCT00113997 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers Benedict et al. 119 NCT00715455 (phase 2, completed) percutaneous coronary intervention Cohen et al. 120 NCT00932100 (phase 2, completed) acute coronary syndromes; Percutaneous coronary intervention Povsic et al. 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 NCT01872572 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers Vavalle et al. 125 NCT01848106 (phase 3, terminated, clinical hold owing to serious allergic reactions percutaneous coronary intervention Lincoff et al. 126 ARC1779/Archemix anti-A1 domain of von Willebrand factor NCT00432770 (phase 1, completed) healthy volunteers Gilbert et al. 127 NCT00507338 (phase 2, terminated) angioplasty and stenting for heart attack – NCT00632242 (phase 2, completed) von Willebrand factor-related platelet disorders Jilma-Stohlawetz et al. 128 NCT00742612 (phase 2, terminated, enrollment slower than expected) carotid endarterectomy Markus et al. 129 NCT00726544 (phase 2, terminated, enrollment slower than expected) thrombotic microangiopathy Cataland et al. 130 CCL2, pro-inflammatory chemokine C-C motif-ligand 2; CXCL12, C-X-C motif chemokine 12; ESA, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent; GBM, glioblastoma; MGMT, O (6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase.
Table 4
Aptamers on clinical trial as therapeutics
CCL2, pro-inflammatory chemokine C-C motif-ligand 2; CXCL12, C-X-C motif chemokine 12; ESA, erythropoiesis-stimulating agent; GBM, glioblastoma; MGMT, O (6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase.
| Generic name and company | Mechanisms | Identifier (current status) | Condition | Reference |
| Inflammation | ||||
| Emapticap pegol (NOX-E36)/(TME Pharma AG) | anti-CCL2 | NCT01547897 (phase 2, completed) | type 2 diabetics with albuminuria | Menne et al. 112 |
| NCT01372124 (phase 1, completed) | renal impairment | – | ||
| NCT00976729 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | – | ||
| NCT010852929 (phase 1/2, completed) | patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus | Park et al. 113 | ||
| Lexaptepid pegol (NOX-H94)/(TME Pharma AG | anti-human hepcidin | NCT01372137 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | Boyce et al. 114 |
| NCT01522794 (phase 1, completed | human endotoxemia | van Eijk et al. 115 | ||
| NCT01691040 (phase 2, completed) | anemia of chronic disease in patients with cancer | van Eijk et al. 115 | ||
| NCT02079896 (phase 1/2, completed) | ESA-hyporesponsive anemia in dialysis patients | van Eijk et al. 115 | ||
| Oncology | ||||
| Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12)/(TME Pharma AG | anti-CXCL12 | NCT00976378 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | van Eijk et al. 115 |
| NCT01521533 (phase 2, completed) | relapsed multiple myeloma | van Eijk et al. 115 | ||
| NCT01194934 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | – | ||
| NCT01486797 (phase 2, completed) | relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia | Steurer et al. 116 | ||
| NCT03168139 (phase 1/2, enrollment) | metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer | – | ||
| NCT04121455 (phase 1/2, completed) | incompletely resected, newly diagnosed GBM lacking MGMT methylation | Giordano et al. 117 | ||
| AS1411(AGRO001)/Antisoma | anti-nucleolin | NCT00512083 (phase 2, completed | acute myeloid leukemia | – |
| NCT00740441 (phase 2, unknown) | renal cell carcinoma | Rosenberg et al. 118 | ||
| NCT00881244 (phase 1, completed) | advanced solid tumors | – | ||
| NCT01034410 (phase 2, terminated) | primary refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia | – | ||
| Coagulation | ||||
| REG1 anticoagulation system (RB006 plus RB007)/Regado Biosciences | coagulation factor IXa | NCT00113997 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | Benedict et al. 119 |
| NCT00715455 (phase 2, completed) | percutaneous coronary intervention | Cohen et al. 120 | ||
| NCT00932100 (phase 2, completed) | acute coronary syndromes; Percutaneous coronary intervention | Povsic et al. 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 | ||
| NCT01872572 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | Vavalle et al. 125 | ||
| NCT01848106 (phase 3, terminated, clinical hold owing to serious allergic reactions | percutaneous coronary intervention | Lincoff et al. 126 | ||
| ARC1779/Archemix | anti-A1 domain of von Willebrand factor | NCT00432770 (phase 1, completed) | healthy volunteers | Gilbert et al. 127 |
| NCT00507338 (phase 2, terminated) | angioplasty and stenting for heart attack | – | ||
| NCT00632242 (phase 2, completed) | von Willebrand factor-related platelet disorders | Jilma-Stohlawetz et al. 128 | ||
| NCT00742612 (phase 2, terminated, enrollment slower than expected) | carotid endarterectomy | Markus et al. 129 | ||
| NCT00726544 (phase 2, terminated, enrollment slower than expected) | thrombotic microangiopathy | Cataland et al. 130 |
Similar to the non-covalent chemical combination of antibodies and antigens, aptamers specifically bind to target molecules by the cumulative action, hydrogen bond, static interaction, van der Waals forces, water drainage action, and shape matching. 131 Their targets range from small molecules—such as amino acids, nucleic acids, metal ions, and toxins—to larger entities like enzymes, growth factors, cell adhesion molecules, and even whole cells, bacteria, and viruses. 132 Several strategies have been developed to enhance aptamer binding affinity. 133 In particular, hydrophobic modifications, multivalency, and structural optimizations have all proven effective in increasing binding strength. 134 Meanwhile, specificity can be further improved using i-motif modifications, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), primer-free libraries, base mutations, and multiple rounds of negative selection. 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140
Additionally, aptamers have the appealing feature of being more easily coupled with functional DNA nanostructures than antibodies and tiny peptides. 141 , 142 , 143 Due to their simple structures, when compared to more complex structures such as antibodies, aptamers are relatively easy to modify. 144 , 145 They can be modified with precise site-specific adjustments, such as fluorescent, electroactive substances, nanomaterials, biotin, and enzyme labeling. In theory, there would be three potential therapeutic pathways for aptamers: (1) extracellular effects—regulate cell activity by altering the extracellular microenvironment and inflammatory pathways; (2) inflammation pathway—regulate the inflammation signaling pathway by binding to the cell membrane or a receptor-mediated endocytosis route; and (3) regulate the transcription and translation processes of related genes in cells (see Figure 3 ). Gold nanoparticles (NPs), liposomes, micelles, polymer NPs, mesoporous silica, and dendrimers have all been employed to modify aptamers for use as drug carriers. 20 Figure 3 Targeted treatment for OA using functionalized nanocarriers with aptamers specific to cells type To show the target therapy function of aptamer-based nanoparticles for OA, components are assembled in one nanocarrier, including imaging marker (fluorescent dyes or radioactive agents) and therapeutics (mAbs, drugs, oligonucleic acids, and chemotherapeutic agents). mAbs, monoclonal antibodies; siRNA, small interfering RNA; miRNA, microRNA; RNA, ribonucleic acid.

Aptamer studies in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation
Aptamers may have significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), through their ability to target key inflammatory pathways and molecules. One notable example is SL1026, an aptamer designed to antagonize IL-6, which demonstrated efficacy in reducing the severity of RA symptoms and postponing the onset of RA in monkeys. 146 Additionally, single-stranded DNA aptamers with high affinity for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) have shown promise in RA treatment. Citrullinated aptamer-based NPs decreased autoantibodies and immune responses involved in RA pathogenesis, exhibiting antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model. 147 Another CTGF-specific aptamer, AptW2-1-39-PEG, developed using CTGF protein-based SELEX, not only enhanced diagnostic detection efficiency but also inhibited pannus formation, a key pathological feature of RA. 148
Aptamers targeting other inflammatory mediators have also shown therapeutic potential. The anti-MUC1/Y aptamer (mucin 1 isoform Y) has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing edema and neutrophil migration in a mouse RA model. 149 In a study, the anti-interleukin-17A (anti-IL-17A) aptamer effectively blocked the biological effects of IL-17A and suppressed the development of autoimmunity in mouse joint inflammation models. 150 Furthermore, an aptamer developed in 2022 through the protein-SELEX procedure exhibited potent blocking and neutralizing activity against human IL-17A, achieving over 85% inhibition efficacy in HaCaT cells. This aptamer represents a promising alternative to mAbs as a targeted anti-IL-17A therapeutic agent. 151 Also, a DNA aptamer inhibiting TNF-α suggests its potential as a non-immunogenic alternative to antibody-based TNF-α inhibitors in C57BL/6 mice. 152 Additionally, aptamers targeting TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) were explored as selective inhibitors for RA. These aptamers specifically blocked TNF-α-TNFR1 signaling while leaving TNF-α-TNF receptor 2 interactions unaffected, providing a promising avenue for the development of more targeted anti-RA therapies. 153 Homodimeric soluble γc (sγc) was evaluated to be a driver of T helper 17 cell differentiations in RA. An sγc-binding DNA aptamer disrupted its dimerization, restored IL-2/IL-15 signaling, and alleviated arthritis in a collagen-induced arthritis model. 154 Moreover, RNA aptamers targeting the human IL-6 receptor enabled receptor-mediated internalization while maintaining IL-6R signaling in murine cell lines transfected with human IL-6R. 155 Also, a 2′-fluoro-pyrimidine modified RNA aptamer 8A-35 binding and neutralizing human IL-8 with a high degree of specificity and affinity was identified, which possibly could be used to inhibit neutrophil activity. This could be used as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases, such as OA. 156
Aptamers developed for RA and other inflammation diseases may also hold significant therapeutic potential for OA, as both conditions share common molecular targets critical to disease development and progression. These targets are deeply rooted in overlapping pathogenic mechanisms and signaling pathways. However, despite this overlap, research on the application of aptamers in OA remains limited, highlighting a need for further exploration in this area.
Aptamer studies in bone diseases
Research in other bone-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, infections, and cancer, highlights the versatility of aptamers compared to antibodies, which are often limited to specific indications. For instance, CH6 aptamer-functionalized lipid NPs have been used to deliver osteogenic siRNAs directly to osteoblasts, promoting bone formation, improving bone microarchitecture, and enhancing mechanical properties in osteopenic rodents. 157 , 158 Similarly, aptamers targeting receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand have shown promise as a therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis. 159 Given that osteoblasts play a crucial role in OA by contributing to abnormal bone remodeling and subchondral bone sclerosis, regulating bone metabolism through aptamers could offer a novel approach to modifying OA progression. 160 Despite the differences between bone tumors, osteoporosis, and OA, they share similarities in bone microenvironment regulation and signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β. 13 , 161 Thus, the cross-disease application to OA might be particularly effective, especially in modulating inflammation, mitigating cartilage degradation, and regulating bone remodeling.
Aptamer application in OA
The current focus of aptamers for OA has been on targeting cells and blocking inflammatory pathways. For instance, the aptamer RA10-6 effectively blocked IL-17 binding to IL-17RA in a dose-dependent manner in OA mice. 162 Similarly, RNA aptamers targeting FGF 2 (FGF2), a key player in bone and cartilage remodeling, have shown promise in restoring chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in preclinical models. 163 , 164 RBM-007, an anti-FGF2 aptamer, is currently under clinical evaluation for achondroplasia and AMD ( NCT03633084 and NCT04200248 ), but its potential application in OA remains unexplored. This is related to OA therapy because FGF2 is implicated in OA pathophysiology. 158 Additionally, RBM-010, created by Ribomic Inc., was the first RNA aptamer inhibitor specifically designed for ADAMTS-5. 165 It has been subjected to clinical assessments for the treatment of OA without any results presented so far. Other anti-ADAMTS-5 aptamers, apt21 and apt25, were able to selectively target ADAMTS-5 without binding to other molecules such as blood serum albumin and ADAMTS-4. 166 Among the ADAMTS family, ADAMTS-5 might be identified as the primary aggrecanase driving OA progression as mentioned previously. 59 Meanwhile, a CD200R (CD200 receptor) agonist DNA aptamer was developed to modulate inflammation in OA secondary to injury. 167 , 168 , 169 However, it is important to note that when using a positive-only SELEX strategy, where counter-selection is omitted, there is an increased efficiency in isolating strong target-binding aptamers, but also a higher risk of identifying candidates with non-specific interactions.
Targeted delivery systems using aptamers may also advance OA treatment. For example, a study investigated the efficacy of delivering microRNAs (miRNAs) to chondrocytes for OA treatment using PEGylated NPs functionalized with FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1)-specific aptamers. 170 CX3-LS-DQ, an aptamer-functionalized liposome encapsulating senolytics (daratinib and quercetin-DQ), demonstrated a considerable affinity for senescent fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Intra-articular injection of CX3-LS-DQ successfully reduced cartilage breakdown in vivo in OA mice model by inducing the apoptosis of senescent fibroblast-like synoviocytes. 171
Aptamers have also been employed to modulate gene expression in OA. The targeted overexpression of miR-29b in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was achieved by delivering aptamer-agomiR-29b. This approach successfully reversed subchondral bone loss and reduced the excessive activity of osteoclasts in OA mice with unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury. 172 Furthermore, DEK-targeting (DEK proto-oncogene) DNA aptamers reduced inflammation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation in inflammatory arthritis mice models. Enhanced stability and transdermal delivery of the DEK-targeting aptamer DTA via a hydrogel microneedle system further demonstrated its therapeutic potential in reducing joint damage in a collagen-induced arthritis model. 173 , 174
Although preclinical data on aptamers for OA remain limited, promising results from current studies show significant promise in OA therapy by targeting inflammatory pathways, modulating gene expression, and enabling precise drug delivery. By leveraging the SELEX technique to develop aptamers that specifically target joint cells or inhibit key inflammatory signaling pathways, researchers may overcome existing therapeutic limitations and achieve breakthroughs in managing OA.
Advantages and limitations of mAbs for treating OA
Aptamers and mAbs are two distinct classes of therapeutic molecules with unique properties and mechanisms of action. They are both types of biologics that can specifically bind to target molecules with high affinity. However, they differ in their molecular structures, production methods, properties, target substance, modification ability, stability, and applications. 175 To fully comprehend the distinction between aptamers and antibodies, we made a detailed comparison between mAbs and aptamers in terms of the treatment for OA (see Table 5 for a detailed comparison between mAbs and aptamers). Table 5 Comparison between mAbs and aptamers Categories Aptamers mAbs Basic composition nucleotide (A, G, T/U, C) amino acid Materials nucleic acid (single-strand DNA or RNA) protein (polymer peptide) Molecular weight/size 6–30 kDa (20–100 nt) 150–180 kDa Affinity high (K D ranging from 10 −9 mol/L to 10 −12 mol/L); multivalent aptamers have the ability to provide greater affinity and extra functionality high (K D ranging from 10 −3 mol/L to 10 −9 mol/L); the affinity between antibody and antigen is determined by the quantity of identical epitopes present on the specific antigen being targeted Specificity high; aptamer can identify single-point mutations and conformational isomers high; antigens may have multiple epitopes, which allow different antibodies to bind to the same antigen Stability more stable, easily renatured after denaturation, used repeatedly; resistant to high temperature (even up to 95°C) and cycles of denaturation/renaturation less stable; susceptible to temperature (even at RT or 37°C) and irreversible denaturation Potential targets ATP, amino acids, nucleic acids, metal ions, toxins, enzymes, growth factors, cell adhesive molecules, and even entire viruses, bacteria, cells, tissue slices antigen proteins Modification can be easily modified with precise site-specific modifications, such as fluorescent, nanomaterials, biotin, and enzyme labeling with retaining activity difficult to be modified and easy to denature; limited types and chemical reactions Generation/discovery in vitro SELEX (2–15 selection rounds); ∼2–8 weeks; economical to be produced in vivo biological system; ∼6 months or longer; complex and expensive to be generated Immunogenicity low immunogenic highly immunogenic and can cause harmful immunological responses in humans; increased immune reaction with repeated dosing Batch-to-batch variation none or low significant Tissue uptake/penetration faster slower Kidney filtration faster, short circulation time in vivo (∼30 min for unconjugated version) slower; long circulation time (up to 1 month) Development/market the development pathway is less explored; insufficient education and investment; the commercialization has concentrated on diagnostic-based aptamer products well-developed infrastructure; abundant financial and educational supports; rapid and sustained increase in medicine market share Nuclease degradation vulnerable; limited half-life in vivo (∼10 min for unmodified version) resistant and not affected by nucleases in vivo K D , dissociation constant; RT, room temperature; SELEX, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment.
Table 5
Comparison between mAbs and aptamers
K D , dissociation constant; RT, room temperature; SELEX, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment.
| Categories | Aptamers | mAbs |
| Basic composition | nucleotide (A, G, T/U, C) | amino acid |
| Materials | nucleic acid (single-strand DNA or RNA) | protein (polymer peptide) |
| Molecular weight/size | 6–30 kDa (20–100 nt) | 150–180 kDa |
| Affinity | high (K D ranging from 10 −9 mol/L to 10 −12 mol/L); multivalent aptamers have the ability to provide greater affinity and extra functionality | high (K D ranging from 10 −3 mol/L to 10 −9 mol/L); the affinity between antibody and antigen is determined by the quantity of identical epitopes present on the specific antigen being targeted |
| Specificity | high; aptamer can identify single-point mutations and conformational isomers | high; antigens may have multiple epitopes, which allow different antibodies to bind to the same antigen |
| Stability | more stable, easily renatured after denaturation, used repeatedly; resistant to high temperature (even up to 95°C) and cycles of denaturation/renaturation | less stable; susceptible to temperature (even at RT or 37°C) and irreversible denaturation |
| Potential targets | ATP, amino acids, nucleic acids, metal ions, toxins, enzymes, growth factors, cell adhesive molecules, and even entire viruses, bacteria, cells, tissue slices | antigen proteins |
| Modification | can be easily modified with precise site-specific modifications, such as fluorescent, nanomaterials, biotin, and enzyme labeling with retaining activity | difficult to be modified and easy to denature; limited types and chemical reactions |
| Generation/discovery | in vitro SELEX (2–15 selection rounds); ∼2–8 weeks; economical to be produced | in vivo biological system; ∼6 months or longer; complex and expensive to be generated |
| Immunogenicity | low immunogenic | highly immunogenic and can cause harmful immunological responses in humans; increased immune reaction with repeated dosing |
| Batch-to-batch variation | none or low | significant |
| Tissue uptake/penetration | faster | slower |
| Kidney filtration | faster, short circulation time in vivo (∼30 min for unconjugated version) | slower; long circulation time (up to 1 month) |
| Development/market | the development pathway is less explored; insufficient education and investment; the commercialization has concentrated on diagnostic-based aptamer products | well-developed infrastructure; abundant financial and educational supports; rapid and sustained increase in medicine market share |
| Nuclease degradation | vulnerable; limited half-life in vivo (∼10 min for unmodified version) | resistant and not affected by nucleases in vivo |
The study of new mAbs for OA treatment is now the focus of a few clinical trials. mAbs often exhibit a longer half-life compared to small molecule drugs, allowing for less frequent dosing. 176 , 177 Most clinical trials have administered mAbs via intraarticular or subcutaneous injections at 2- to 4-week intervals over periods of 12–16 weeks, which helps enhance patient compliance and convenience while reducing treatment burdens. Although mAbs offer several advantages for targeted OA therapy, many challenges remain unresolved. To date, ongoing trials have not produced satisfying or promising results. Despite decades of clinical investigation, no mAbs have gained approval for OA treatment due to safety concerns and limited efficacy. In particular, mAbs that specifically target individual pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF or IL-1β, have largely failed to alleviate OA symptoms. While inhibiting multiple mediators simultaneously may be a more effective strategy, the long-term use of broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agents carries its own risks. Overall, the development of mAbs for OA appears to have reached significant barriers that may be difficult to overcome in the near future.
Advantages and limitations of aptamers for treating OA
As mentioned previously, aptamers hold significant theoretical advantages for treating OA, as suggested by their therapeutic potential across several diseases. Many aptamers developed for other inflammatory or degenerative conditions have demonstrated the ability to target common molecular pathways involved in tissue degradation and inflammation. This cross-disease efficacy suggests that aptamers effective in modulating key mediators—such as TNF-α or various interleukins—in diseases like RA or even in oncology could be repurposed or fine-tuned to address the multifaceted pathology of OA. Moreover, the inherent versatility of aptamers enables researchers to adapt these molecules to optimize their binding specificity and stability in the joint microenvironment.
However, there are some limitations that should be taken into account. Unmodified aptamers can be susceptible to nuclease degradation and rapid clearance from the bloodstream, leading to a short half-life in vivo . 178 This may result in a high frequency of repeated administration and lower OA patients’ compliance. Although aptamers are generally less immunogenic than antibodies, they can still elicit immune responses in some individuals, particularly if used repeatedly or in high doses. 179 The advancement of aptamer technology often faces obstacles due to difficulties in achieving optimal binding affinity and specificity, as well as the intricate processes involved in their modification, evaluation, and refinement. 180 Additionally, experimental conditions, such as temperature, buffer composition (including ion concentration, ionic strength, and pH), and other variables, can profoundly influence aptamer structures and their interactions with target molecules, potentially leading to false-positive outcomes. 181
The development of aptamers involves a labor-intensive and costly process, including multiple rounds of selection, refinement, and experimental validation. Although devices and artificial intelligence methods capable of automatically performing SELEX screening have been developed, the process of cell-SELEX remains exceedingly complex. 182 , 183 Therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as aptamers, can induce some adverse effects that require careful monitoring. These include inhibition of blood clotting, activation of the complement cascade, immune system stimulation, and accumulation in tissues. 184 , 185 The latter is often due to the high binding affinity of oligonucleotides for specific tissues, which can hinder their elimination through the kidneys or liver. 186 However, these effects are generally reversible and considered manageable upon cessation of therapy. 185
Currently, research on aptamer-antibody complex therapy remains very limited, and no studies have yet explored this approach in bone and cartilage diseases, including OA. Future efforts could focus on the synergistic application of aptamer and antibody to enhance therapeutic effect. Although conjugation of Abs and aptamers has been shown to increase affinity in the case of anti-thrombin antibody-aptamer pincers, this approach has not been explored in OA. 187 Thus, extensive further research and clinical trials are necessary to validate the safety and effectiveness of this innovative approach.
Overall, while aptamers hold great promise as therapeutic agents for treating OA, addressing these drawbacks and minimizing side effects will be crucial for their successful clinical implementation. Further research and development efforts are still needed to optimize aptamer design, improve pharmacokinetic properties, and overcome translational barriers to bring aptamer-based therapies to patients with OA.
Conclusion and expectations
Management of OA remains a significant clinical challenge due to its complex pathogenesis and often late detection. While the ongoing development of mAbs offers promising avenues for targeted OA therapy, decades of research and multiple clinical trials have yet to produce an approved mAb treatment, primarily because of limited efficacy and significant side effects. Consequently, alternative approaches are necessary. Aptamers, in particular, hold potential advantages over mAbs, including higher binding affinity and specificity, a broader range of target molecules, easier modifiability, lower immunogenicity, and reduced production costs. Numerous nucleic acid aptamers have been screened, with some demonstrating the ability to alleviate OA symptoms in vitro and preclinical models. However, no clinical studies have yet been conducted on aptamer-based OA therapies, and related research is still in its initial stages and needs to be further deepened. Therefore, further investigation into the use of aptamers, along with related modifications and combination treatment strategies, may unlock new and versatile applications for OA therapeutics.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by funding from the 10.13039/501100003246 NWO Open Competition Domain Science XS ( OCENW.XS22.2.148 ). The PhD studies of Z.Y. (no. 202207720092 ) and H.C. (no. 202306320055 ) were funded by the 10.13039/501100004543 China Scholarship Council (CSC). The graphical abstract and Figures 1 , 2 , and 3 were created with Biorender.com .
Author contributions
All authors were involved in designing the study. H.C. contributed to the conception and design of the review, and was responsible for the literature search, analysis, and drafting of the manuscript. Z.Y. assisted in the literature search and analysis, and contributed to the critical revision of the manuscript. H.W. and L.B.C. provided guidance on the structure and content of the review, and contributed to the critical revision of the manuscript. J.V.K. and J.L.R. provided feedback on the draft manuscript, and contributed to the editing and revision process. J.L.R. supervised the overall project, provided significant input on the design and content of the review, and approved the final version of the manuscript for publication. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Declaration of interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
References
1 Dahaghin S. Bierma-Zeinstra S.M.A. Ginai A.Z. Pols H.A.P. Hazes J.M.W. Koes B.W. Prevalence and pattern of radiographic hand osteoarthritis and association with pain and disability (the Rotterdam study) Ann. Rheum. Dis. 64 2005 682 687 15374852 10.1136/ard.2004.023564 PMC1755481
2 Oliveria S.A. Felson D.T. Reed J.I. Cirillo P.A. Walker A.M. Incidence of symptomatic hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis among patients in a health maintenance organization Arthritis Rheum. 38 1995 1134 1141 7639811 10.1002/art.1780380817
3 Chen D. Shen J. Zhao W. Wang T. Han L. Hamilton J.L. Im H.J. Osteoarthritis: toward a comprehensive understanding of pathological mechanism Bone Res. 5 2017 16044 10.1038/boneres.2016.44 PMC5240031 28149655
4 Lawrence R.C. Felson D.T. Helmick C.G. Arnold L.M. Choi H. Deyo R.A. Gabriel S. Hirsch R. Hochberg M.C. Hunder G.G. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States. Part II Arthritis Rheum. 58 2008 26 35 18163497 10.1002/art.23176 PMC3266664
5 Murphy L. Schwartz T.A. Helmick C.G. Renner J.B. Tudor G. Koch G. Dragomir A. Kalsbeek W.D. Luta G. Jordan J.M. Lifetime risk of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis Arthritis Rheum. 59 2008 1207 1213 18759314 10.1002/art.24021 PMC4516049
6 Knight J.B. Callahan L.F. Luong M.L.N. Shreffler J. Schoster B. Renner J.B. Jordan J.M. The association of disability and pain with individual and community socioeconomic status in people with hip osteoarthritis Open Rheumatol. J. 5 2011 51 58 22046207 10.2174/1874312901105010051 PMC3204417
7 Prieto-Alhambra D. Judge A. Javaid M.K. Cooper C. Diez-Perez A. Arden N.K. Incidence and risk factors for clinically diagnosed knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis: influences of age, gender and osteoarthritis affecting other joints Ann. Rheum. Dis. 73 2014 1659 1664 23744977 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-203355 PMC3875433
8 Hunter D.J. Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis Lancet 393 2019 1745 1759 31034380 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30417-9
9 Zhang W. Moskowitz R.W. Nuki G. Abramson S. Altman R.D. Arden N. Bierma-Zeinstra S. Brandt K.D. Croft P. Doherty M. OARSI recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis, Part II: OARSI evidence-based, expert consensus guidelines Osteoarthr. Cartil. 16 2008 137 162 10.1016/j.joca.2007.12.013 18279766
10 Jevsevar D.S. Brown G.A. Jones D.L. Matzkin E.G. Manner P.A. Mooar P. Schousboe J.T. Stovitz S. Sanders J.O. Bozic K.J. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons evidence-based guideline on: treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, 2nd edition J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 95 2013 1885 1886 24288804 10.2106/00004623-201310160-00010
11 Madry H. Surgical therapy in osteoarthritis Osteoarthr. Cartil. 30 2022 1019 1034 10.1016/j.joca.2022.01.012 35183776
12 Xia B. Di C. Zhang J. Hu S. Jin H. Tong P. Osteoarthritis pathogenesis: a review of molecular mechanisms Calcif. Tissue Int. 95 2014 495 505 25311420 10.1007/s00223-014-9917-9 PMC4747051
13 Yao Q. Wu X. Tao C. Gong W. Chen M. Qu M. Zhong Y. He T. Chen S. Xiao G. Osteoarthritis: pathogenic signaling pathways and therapeutic targets Signal Transduct. Target. Ther. 8 2023 56 36737426 10.1038/s41392-023-01330-w PMC9898571
14 Clevers H. Nusse R. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and disease Cell 149 2012 1192 1205 22682243 10.1016/j.cell.2012.05.012
15 Wang Y. Zhao X. Lotz M. Terkeltaub R. Liu-Bryan R. Mitochondrial biogenesis is impaired in osteoarthritis chondrocytes but reversible via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α Arthritis Rheumatol. 67 2015 2141 2153 25940958 10.1002/art.39182 PMC4519411
16 Jimi E. Fei H. Nakatomi C. NF-κB Signaling Regulates Physiological and Pathological Chondrogenesis Int. J. Mol. Sci. 20 2019 6275 10.3390/ijms20246275 PMC6941088 31842396
17 Zhang Y. Vasheghani F. Li Y.H. Blati M. Simeone K. Fahmi H. Lussier B. Roughley P. Lagares D. Pelletier J.P. Cartilage-specific deletion of mTOR upregulates autophagy and protects mice from osteoarthritis Ann. Rheum. Dis. 74 2015 1432 1440 24651621 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204599
18 Ellington A.D. Szostak J.W. In vitro selection of RNA molecules that bind specific ligands Nature 346 1990 818 822 1697402 10.1038/346818a0
19 Tuerk C. Gold L. Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment: RNA ligands to bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase Science 249 1990 505 510 2200121 10.1126/science.2200121
20 Eilers A. Witt S. Walter J. Aptamer-Modified Nanoparticles in Medical Applications Adv. Biochem. Eng. Biotechnol. 174 2020 161 193 32157319 10.1007/10_2020_124
21 Zhu G. Chen X. Aptamer-based targeted therapy Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 134 2018 65 78 30125604 10.1016/j.addr.2018.08.005 PMC6239901
22 Cibiel A. Pestourie C. Ducongé F. In vivo uses of aptamers selected against cell surface biomarkers for therapy and molecular imaging Biochimie 94 2012 1595 1606 22738730 10.1016/j.biochi.2012.02.025
23 Dausse E. Da Rocha Gomes S. Toulmé J.J. Aptamers: a new class of oligonucleotides in the drug discovery pipeline? Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 9 2009 602 607 19717337 10.1016/j.coph.2009.07.006
24 Yan J. Xiong H. Cai S. Wen N. He Q. Liu Y. Peng D. Liu Z. Advances in aptamer screening technologies Talanta 200 2019 124 144 31036165 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.03.015
25 Sefah K. Shangguan D. Xiong X. O'Donoghue M.B. Tan W. Development of DNA aptamers using Cell-SELEX Nat. Protoc. 5 2010 1169 1185 20539292 10.1038/nprot.2010.66
26 Gopinath S.C.B. Methods developed for SELEX Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 387 2007 171 182 17072603 10.1007/s00216-006-0826-2
27 Stoltenburg R. Reinemann C. Strehlitz B. SELEX--a (r)evolutionary method to generate high-affinity nucleic acid ligands Biomol. Eng. 24 2007 381 403 17627883 10.1016/j.bioeng.2007.06.001
28 Wilson D.S. Szostak J.W. In vitro selection of functional nucleic acids Annu. Rev. Biochem. 68 1999 611 647 10872462 10.1146/annurev.biochem.68.1.611
29 Fattal E. Hillaireau H. Ismail S.I. Aptamers in Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 134 2018 1 2 30442313 10.1016/j.addr.2018.11.001
30 Xiang D. Zheng C. Zhou S.F. Qiao S. Tran P.H.L. Pu C. Li Y. Kong L. Kouzani A.Z. Lin J. Superior Performance of Aptamer in Tumor Penetration over Antibody: Implication of Aptamer-Based Theranostics in Solid Tumors Theranostics 5 2015 1083 1097 26199647 10.7150/thno.11711 PMC4508498
31 Khan N.I. Maddaus A.G. Song E. A Low-Cost Inkjet-Printed Aptamer-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for the Selective Detection of Lysozyme Biosensors (Basel) 8 2018 7 10.3390/bios8010007 PMC5872055 29342960
32 Shigdar S. Macdonald J. O'Connor M. Wang T. Xiang D. Al Shamaileh H. Qiao L. Wei M. Zhou S.F. Zhu Y. Aptamers as theranostic agents: modifications, serum stability and functionalisation Sensors (Basel) 13 2013 13624 13637 24152925 10.3390/s131013624 PMC3859083
33 Tapsin S. Sun M. Shen Y. Zhang H. Lim X.N. Susanto T.T. Yang S.L. Zeng G.S. Lee J. Lezhava A. Genome-wide identification of natural RNA aptamers in prokaryotes and eukaryotes Nat. Commun. 9 2018 1289 29599443 10.1038/s41467-018-03675-1 PMC5876405
34 Mabey T. Honsawek S. Cytokines as biochemical markers for knee osteoarthritis World J. Orthoped. 6 2015 95 105 10.5312/wjo.v6.i1.95 PMC4303794 25621214
35 Zheng S. Hunter D.J. Xu J. Ding C. Monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of osteoarthritis Expet Opin. Biol. Ther. 16 2016 1529 1540 10.1080/14712598.2016.1229774 27562879
36 Schlesinger N. De Meulemeester M. Pikhlak A. Yücel A.E. Richard D. Murphy V. Arulmani U. Sallstig P. So A. Canakinumab relieves symptoms of acute flares and improves health-related quality of life in patients with difficult-to-treat Gouty Arthritis by suppressing inflammation: results of a randomized, dose-ranging study Arthritis Res. Ther. 13 2011 R53 21439048 10.1186/ar3297 PMC3132043
37 Fleischmann R.M. Bliddal H. Blanco F.J. Schnitzer T.J. Peterfy C. Chen S. Wang L. Feng S. Conaghan P.G. Berenbaum F. A Phase II Trial of Lutikizumab, an Anti-Interleukin-1α/β Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin, in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients With Synovitis Arthritis Rheumatol. 71 2019 1056 1069 30653843 10.1002/art.40840
38 Brown M.T. Cornblath D.R. Koltzenburg M. Gorson K.C. Hickman A. Pixton G.C. Gaitonde P. Viktrup L. West C.R. Peripheral Nerve Safety of Nerve Growth Factor Inhibition by Tanezumab: Pooled Analyses of Phase III Clinical Studies in Over 5000 Patients with Osteoarthritis Clin. Drug Invest. 43 2023 551 563 10.1007/s40261-023-01286-3 37460782
39 Malemud C.J. Biologic basis of osteoarthritis: state of the evidence Curr. Opin. Rheumatol. 27 2015 289 294 25784380 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000162 PMC4492522
40 Malemud C.J. Anticytokine therapy for osteoarthritis: evidence to date Drugs Aging 27 2010 95 115 20104937 10.2165/11319950-000000000-00000
41 Abramson S.B. Nitric oxide in inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis Arthritis Res. Ther. 10 2008 S2 10.1186/ar2463 PMC2582805 19007427
42 Davies C.M. Guilak F. Weinberg J.B. Fermor B. Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species in interleukin-1-mediated DNA damage associated with osteoarthritis Osteoarthr. Cartil. 16 2008 624 630 10.1016/j.joca.2007.09.012 PMC2430155 17945515
43 Cook A.D. Christensen A.D. Tewari D. McMahon S.B. Hamilton J.A. Immune Cytokines and Their Receptors in Inflammatory Pain Trends Immunol. 39 2018 240 255 29338939 10.1016/j.it.2017.12.003
44 Cohen S.B. Proudman S. Kivitz A.J. Burch F.X. Donohue J.P. Burstein D. Sun Y.N. Banfield C. Vincent M.S. Ni L. Zack D.J. A randomized, double-blind study of AMG 108 (a fully human monoclonal antibody to IL-1R1) in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee Arthritis Res. Ther. 13 2011 R125 10.1186/ar3430 PMC3239365 21801403
45 Wang S.X. Abramson S.B. Attur M. Karsdal M.A. Preston R.A. Lozada C.J. Kosloski M.P. Hong F. Jiang P. Saltarelli M.J. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics of an anti-interleukin-1α/β dual variable domain immunoglobulin in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized phase 1 study Osteoarthr. Cartil. 25 2017 1952 1961 10.1016/j.joca.2017.09.007 28964890
46 Wang S.X. Berenbaum F. Maksymowych W.P. Liu W. Karunaratne M. Medema J.K. Abramson S. Interleukin-1 dual variable domain immunoglobulin, a new potential treatment for osteoarthritis Osteoarthr. Cartil. 22 2014 S462 S463
47 Larkin J. Lohr T.A. Elefante L. Shearin J. Matico R. Su J.L. Xue Y. Liu F. Genell C. Miller R.E. Translational development of an ADAMTS-5 antibody for osteoarthritis disease modification Osteoarthr. Cartil. 23 2015 1254 1266 10.1016/j.joca.2015.02.778 PMC4516626 25800415
48 Jena M. Tripathy A. Mishra A. Maiti R. Effect of canakinumab on clinical and biochemical parameters in acute gouty arthritis: a meta-analysis Inflammopharmacology 29 2021 35 47 32918702 10.1007/s10787-020-00753-z
49 Ruscitti P. McGonagle D. Garcia V.C. Rabijns H. Toennessen K. Chappell M. Edwards M. Miller P. Hansell N. Moss J. Systematic Review and Metaanalysis of Pharmacological Interventions in Adult-Onset Still Disease and the Role of Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs J. Rheumatol. 51 2024 442 451 38302170 10.3899/jrheum.2023-0995
50 Lacy S.E. Wu C. Ambrosi D.J. Hsieh C.M. Bose S. Miller R. Conlon D.M. Tarcsa E. Chari R. Ghayur T. Kamath R.V. Generation and characterization of ABT-981, a dual variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig(TM)) molecule that specifically and potently neutralizes both IL-1α and IL-1β mAbs 7 2015 605 619 25764208 10.1080/19420862.2015.1026501 PMC4622731
51 Kloppenburg M. Peterfy C. Haugen I.K. Kroon F. Chen S. Wang L. Liu W. Levy G. Fleischmann R.M. Berenbaum F. Phase IIa, placebo-controlled, randomised study of lutikizumab, an anti-interleukin-1α and anti-interleukin-1β dual variable domain immunoglobulin, in patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis Ann. Rheum. Dis. 78 2019 413 420 30552176 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213336 PMC6390132
52 Chevalier X. Goupille P. Beaulieu A.D. Burch F.X. Bensen W.G. Conrozier T. Loeuille D. Kivitz A.J. Silver D. Appleton B.E. Intraarticular injection of anakinra in osteoarthritis of the knee: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Arthritis Rheum. 61 2009 344 352 19248129 10.1002/art.24096
53 Chevalier X. [Evolution of the pharmacological management of osteoarthritis: the biologics] Presse Med. 39 2010 1164 1171 20843646 10.1016/j.lpm.2010.05.020
54 Bondeson J. Wainwright S. Hughes C. Caterson B. The regulation of the ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5 aggrecanases in osteoarthritis: a review Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. 26 2008 139 145 18328163
55 Lin E.A. Liu C.J. The role of ADAMTSs in arthritis Protein Cell 1 2010 33 47 21203996 10.1007/s13238-010-0002-5 PMC4418016
56 Zhang E. Yan X. Zhang M. Chang X. Bai Z. He Y. Yuan Z. Aggrecanases in the human synovial fluid at different stages of osteoarthritis Clin. Rheumatol. 32 2013 797 803 23370724 10.1007/s10067-013-2171-0
57 Larkin J. Lohr T. Elefante L. Shearin J. Matico R. Su J.L. Xue Y. Liu F. Rossman E.I. Renninger J. The highs and lows of translational drug development: antibody-mediated inhibition of ADAMTS-5 for osteoarthritis disease modification Osteoarthr. Cartil. 22 2014 S483 S484
58 Verma P. Dalal K. ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5: key enzymes in osteoarthritis J. Cell. Biochem. 112 2011 3507 3514 21815191 10.1002/jcb.23298
59 Stanton H. Rogerson F.M. East C.J. Golub S.B. Lawlor K.E. Meeker C.T. Little C.B. Last K. Farmer P.J. Campbell I.K. ADAMTS5 is the major aggrecanase in mouse cartilage in vivo and in vitro Nature 434 2005 648 652 15800625 10.1038/nature03417
60 Naito S. Shiomi T. Okada A. Kimura T. Chijiiwa M. Fujita Y. Yatabe T. Komiya K. Enomoto H. Fujikawa K. Okada Y. Expression of ADAMTS4 (aggrecanase-1) in human osteoarthritic cartilage Pathol. Int. 57 2007 703 711 17922681 10.1111/j.1440-1827.2007.02167.x
61 Song R.H. Tortorella M.D. Malfait A.M. Alston J.T. Yang Z. Arner E.C. Griggs D.W. Aggrecan degradation in human articular cartilage explants is mediated by both ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5 Arthritis Rheum. 56 2007 575 585 17265492 10.1002/art.22334
62 Powell A.J. Little C.B. Hughes C.E. Low molecular weight isoforms of the aggrecanases are responsible for the cytokine-induced proteolysis of aggrecan in a porcine chondrocyte culture system Arthritis Rheum. 56 2007 3010 3019 17763444 10.1002/art.22818
63 Chiusaroli R. Visentini M. Galimberti C. Casseler C. Mennuni L. Covaceuszach S. Lanza M. Ugolini G. Caselli G. Rovati L.C. Visintin M. Targeting of ADAMTS5's ancillary domain with the recombinant mAb CRB0017 ameliorates disease progression in a spontaneous murine model of osteoarthritis Osteoarthr. Cartil. 21 2013 1807 1810 10.1016/j.joca.2013.08.015 23954517
64 Brebion F. Gosmini R. Deprez P. Varin M. Peixoto C. Alvey L. Jary H. Bienvenu N. Triballeau N. Blanque R. Discovery of GLPG1972/S201086, a Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable ADAMTS-5 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis J. Med. Chem. 64 2021 2937 2952 33719441 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02008
65 Siebuhr A.S. Werkmann D. Bay-Jensen A.C. Thudium C.S. Karsdal M.A. Serruys B. Ladel C. Michaelis M. Lindemann S. The Anti-ADAMTS-5 Nanobody(®) M6495 Protects Cartilage Degradation Ex Vivo Int. J. Mol. Sci. 21 2020 5992 10.3390/ijms21175992 PMC7503673 32825512
66 Maussang D. Mujić-Delić A. Descamps F.J. Stortelers C. Vanlandschoot P. Stigter-van Walsum M. Vischer H.F. van Roy M. Vosjan M. Gonzalez-Pajuelo M. Llama-derived single variable domains (nanobodies) directed against chemokine receptor CXCR7 reduce head and neck cancer cell growth in vivo J. Biol. Chem. 288 2013 29562 29572 23979133 10.1074/jbc.M113.498436 PMC3795254
67 Bihlet A.R. Balchen T. Goteti K. Sonne J. Ladel C. Karsdal M.A. Ona V. Moreau F. Waterhouse R. Bay-Jensen A.C. Guehring H. Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacodynamics of the ADAMTS-5 Nanobody M6495: Two Phase 1, Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Studies in Healthy Subjects and Patients With Osteoarthritis ACR Open Rheumatol. 6 2024 205 213 38311369 10.1002/acr2.11610 PMC11016567
68 Xu C. Tang Y. Yang H. Jiang S. Peng W. Xie R. Harpagide inhibits the TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in rat articular chondrocytes by the glycolytic pathways for alleviating osteoarthritis Int. Immunopharmacol. 127 2024 111406 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111406 38142643
69 Molnar V. Matišić V. Kodvanj I. Bjelica R. Jeleč Ž. Hudetz D. Rod E. Čukelj F. Vrdoljak T. Vidović D. Cytokines and Chemokines Involved in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22 2021 9208 10.3390/ijms22179208 PMC8431625 34502117
70 Kobayashi M. Squires G.R. Mousa A. Tanzer M. Zukor D.J. Antoniou J. Feige U. Poole A.R. Role of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in matrix degradation of human osteoarthritic cartilage Arthritis Rheum. 52 2005 128 135 15641080 10.1002/art.20776
71 Chevalier X. Ravaud P. Maheu E. Baron G. Rialland A. Vergnaud P. Roux C. Maugars Y. Mulleman D. Lukas C. Adalimumab in patients with hand osteoarthritis refractory to analgesics and NSAIDs: a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Ann. Rheum. Dis. 74 2015 1697 1705 24817417 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-205348
72 Maksymowych W.P. Russell A.S. Chiu P. Yan A. Jones N. Clare T. Lambert R.G.W. Targeting tumour necrosis factor alleviates signs and symptoms of inflammatory osteoarthritis of the knee Arthritis Res. Ther. 14 2012 R206 10.1186/ar4044 PMC3580518 23036475
73 Park J. Park H. Lee Y.L. Weon S. Kim Y.G. Yang J.H. Nam B. Jo S. Kim T.H. Blocking TNFα attenuates progressive cartilage matrix degradation in inflammatory arthritis Exp. Ther. Med. 22 2021 808 34093764 10.3892/etm.2021.10240 PMC8170641
74 Mease P.J. Adalimumab in the treatment of arthritis Therapeut. Clin. Risk Manag. 3 2007 133 148 10.2147/tcrm.2007.3.1.133 PMC1936294 18360621
75 Ellis C.R. Azmat C.E. Adalimumab StatPearls 2024 StatPearls Publishing LLC.
76 Kim J.M. Kim D.H. Park H.J. Ma H.W. Park I.S. Son M. Ro S.Y. Hong S. Han H.K. Lim S.J. Nanocomposites-based targeted oral drug delivery systems with infliximab in a murine colitis model J. Nanobiotechnol. 18 2020 133 10.1186/s12951-020-00693-4 PMC7493402 32933548
77 Zhang Q. Lv H.h. Chen A. Liu F. Wu X. Efficacy of infliximab in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis Connect. Tissue Res. 53 2012 355 358 22288847 10.3109/03008207.2012.661001
78 Horiuchi T. Mitoma H. Harashima S.i. Tsukamoto H. Shimoda T. Transmembrane TNF-alpha: structure, function and interaction with anti-TNF agents Rheumatology 49 2010 1215 1228 20194223 10.1093/rheumatology/keq031 PMC2886310
79 D'Arcy Y. Mantyh P. Yaksh T. Donevan S. Hall J. Sadrarhami M. Viktrup L. Treating osteoarthritis pain: mechanisms of action of acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and nerve growth factor antibodies Postgrad. Med. J. 133 2021 879 894 10.1080/00325481.2021.1949199 34252357
80 Huang E.J. Reichardt L.F. Trk receptors: roles in neuronal signal transduction Annu. Rev. Biochem. 72 2003 609 642 12676795 10.1146/annurev.biochem.72.121801.161629
81 Mantyh P.W. Koltzenburg M. Mendell L.M. Tive L. Shelton D.L. Antagonism of nerve growth factor-TrkA signaling and the relief of pain Anesthesiology 115 2011 189 204 21602663 10.1097/ALN.0b013e31821b1ac5 PMC3121917
82 Stoppiello L.A. Mapp P.I. Wilson D. Hill R. Scammell B.E. Walsh D.A. Structural associations of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis Arthritis Rheumatol. 66 2014 3018 3027 25049144 10.1002/art.38778 PMC4309484
83 Pecchi E. Priam S. Gosset M. Pigenet A. Sudre L. Laiguillon M.C. Berenbaum F. Houard X. Induction of nerve growth factor expression and release by mechanical and inflammatory stimuli in chondrocytes: possible involvement in osteoarthritis pain Arthritis Res. Ther. 16 2014 R16 10.1186/ar4443 PMC3978639 24438745
84 Manni L. Lundeberg T. Fiorito S. Bonini S. Vigneti E. Aloe L. Nerve growth factor release by human synovial fibroblasts prior to and following exposure to tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta and cholecystokinin-8: the possible role of NGF in the inflammatory response Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. 21 2003 617 624 14611111
85 Hochberg M.C. Tive L.A. Abramson S.B. Vignon E. Verburg K.M. West C.R. Smith M.D. Hungerford D.S. When Is Osteonecrosis Not Osteonecrosis?: Adjudication of Reported Serious Adverse Joint Events in the Tanezumab Clinical Development Program Arthritis Rheumatol. 68 2016 382 391 26554876 10.1002/art.39492
86 Kelly K.M. Sanga P. Zaki N. Wang S. Haeussler J. Louie J. Thipphawong J. Safety and efficacy of fulranumab in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee: results from four early terminated phase III randomized studies Curr. Med. Res. Opin. 35 2019 2117 2127 31387410 10.1080/03007995.2019.1653068
87 Dakin P. DiMartino S.J. Gao H. Maloney J. Kivitz A.J. Schnitzer T.J. Stahl N. Yancopoulos G.D. Geba G.P. The Efficacy, Tolerability, and Joint Safety of Fasinumab in Osteoarthritis Pain: A Phase IIb/III Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial Arthritis Rheumatol. 71 2019 1824 1834 31207169 10.1002/art.41012 PMC6900077
88 Nagai T. Sato M. Kobayashi M. Yokoyama M. Tani Y. Mochida J. Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody, inhibits osteoarthritis Arthritis Res. Ther. 16 2014 427 25230745 10.1186/s13075-014-0427-y PMC4189677
89 Webb M.P. Helander E.M. Menard B.L. Urman R.D. Kaye A.D. Tanezumab: a selective humanized mAb for chronic lower back pain Therapeut. Clin. Risk Manag. 14 2018 361 367 10.2147/TCRM.S144125 PMC5825994 29503555
90 Zhang B. Tian X. Qu Z. Liu J. Yang L. Relative Efficacy and Safety of Tanezumab for Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials Clin. J. Pain 37 2021 914 924 34608021 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000986 PMC8579990
91 Brown M.T. Sandroni P. Low P.A. Gorson K.C. Hunter D.J. Pixton G.C. Fountaine R.J. Viktrup L. West C.R. Verburg K.M. Neurological safety of subcutaneous tanezumab versus NSAID in patients with osteoarthritis J. Neurol. Sci. 434 2022 120184 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120184 35217440
92 Hefti F. Pharmacology of nerve growth factor and discovery of tanezumab, an anti-nerve growth factor antibody and pain therapeutic Pharmacol. Res. 154 2020 104240 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.024 31026504
93 Ross A.H. Daou M.C. McKinnon C.A. Condon P.J. Lachyankar M.B. Stephens R.M. Kaplan D.R. Wolf D.E. The neurotrophin receptor, gp75, forms a complex with the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkA J. Cell Biol. 132 1996 945 953 8603925 10.1083/jcb.132.5.945 PMC2120749
94 Hamilton J.L. Nagao M. Levine B.R. Chen D. Olsen B.R. Im H.J. Targeting VEGF and Its Receptors for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Associated Pain J. Bone Miner. Res. 31 2016 911 924 27163679 10.1002/jbmr.2828 PMC4863467
95 Smith J.O. Oreffo R.O.C. Clarke N.M.P. Roach H.I. Changes in the antiangiogenic properties of articular cartilage in osteoarthritis J. Orthop. Sci. 8 2003 849 857 14648276 10.1007/s00776-003-0717-8
96 Pfander D. Körtje D. Zimmermann R. Weseloh G. Kirsch T. Gesslein M. Cramer T. Swoboda B. Vascular endothelial growth factor in articular cartilage of healthy and osteoarthritic human knee joints Ann. Rheum. Dis. 60 2001 1070 1073 11602483 10.1136/ard.60.11.1070 PMC1753403
97 Pufe T. Petersen W. Tillmann B. Mentlein R. The splice variants VEGF121 and VEGF189 of the angiogenic peptide vascular endothelial growth factor are expressed in osteoarthritic cartilage Arthritis Rheum. 44 2001 1082 1088 11352239 10.1002/1529-0131(200105)44:5<1082::AID-ANR188>3.0.CO;2-X
98 Duan X. Li Q. Lin L.J. Liu C.L. Li Z.H. Liu D.J. Zhang F. [Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in the synovium of patients with osteoarthritis] Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao 31 2011 117 120 21269972
99 Lambert C. Mathy-Hartert M. Dubuc J.E. Montell E. Vergés J. Munaut C. Noël A. Henrotin Y. Characterization of synovial angiogenesis in osteoarthritis patients and its modulation by chondroitin sulfate Arthritis Res. Ther. 14 2012 R58 10.1186/ar3771 PMC3446424 22409996
100 Corrado A. Neve A. Cantatore F.P. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in normal, osteoarthritic and osteoporotic osteoblasts Clin. Exp. Med. 13 2013 81 84 22124604 10.1007/s10238-011-0170-5
101 Murata M. Yudoh K. Nakamura H. Kato T. Inoue K. Chiba J. Nishioka K. Masuko-Hongo K. Distinct signaling pathways are involved in hypoxia- and IL-1-induced VEGF expression in human articular chondrocytes J. Orthop. Res. 24 2006 1544 1554 16732616 10.1002/jor.20168
102 Madry H. van Dijk C.N. Mueller-Gerbl M. The basic science of the subchondral bone Knee Surg. Sports Traumatol. Arthrosc. 18 2010 419 433 20119671 10.1007/s00167-010-1054-z
103 Nagao M. Hamilton J.L. Kc R. Berendsen A.D. Duan X. Cheong C.W. Li X. Im H.J. Olsen B.R. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Cartilage Development and Osteoarthritis Sci. Rep. 7 2017 13027 10.1038/s41598-017-13417-w PMC5638804 29026147
104 Sotozawa M. Kumagai K. Ishikawa K. Yamada S. Inoue Y. Inaba Y. Bevacizumab suppressed degenerative changes in articular cartilage explants from patients with osteoarthritis of the knee J. Orthop. Surg. Res. 18 2023 25 36627659 10.1186/s13018-023-03512-2 PMC9832671
105 Shord S.S. Bressler L.R. Tierney L.A. Cuellar S. George A. Understanding and managing the possible adverse effects associated with bevacizumab Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm. 66 2009 999 1013 19451611 10.2146/ajhp080455
106 Kumar Kulabhusan P. Hussain B. Yüce M. Current Perspectives on Aptamers as Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Agents Pharmaceutics 12 2020 646 32659966 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070646 PMC7407196
107 Kang C. Avacincaptad Pegol: First Approval Drugs 83 2023 1447 1453 37814173 10.1007/s40265-023-01948-8
108 Gragoudas E.S. Adamis A.P. Cunningham E.T. Jr. Feinsod M. Guyer D.R. VEGF Inhibition Study in Ocular Neovascularization Clinical Trial Group Pegaptanib for neovascular age-related macular degeneration N. Engl. J. Med. 351 2004 2805 2816 15625332 10.1056/NEJMoa042760
109 Ng E.W.M. Shima D.T. Calias P. Cunningham E.T. Jr. Guyer D.R. Adamis A.P. Pegaptanib, a targeted anti-VEGF aptamer for ocular vascular disease Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 5 2006 123 132 16518379 10.1038/nrd1955
110 Heier J.S. Lad E.M. Holz F.G. Rosenfeld P.J. Guymer R.H. Boyer D. Grossi F. Baumal C.R. Korobelnik J.F. Slakter J.S. Pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (OAKS and DERBY): two multicentre, randomised, double-masked, sham-controlled, phase 3 trials Lancet 402 2023 1434 1448 37865470 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01520-9
111 Khanani A.M. Patel S.S. Staurenghi G. Tadayoni R. Danzig C.J. Eichenbaum D.A. Hsu J. Wykoff C.C. Heier J.S. Lally D.R. Efficacy and safety of avacincaptad pegol in patients with geographic atrophy (GATHER2): 12-month results from a randomised, double-masked, phase 3 trial Lancet 402 2023 1449 1458 37696275 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01583-0
112 Menne J. Eulberg D. Beyer D. Baumann M. Saudek F. Valkusz Z. Więcek A. Haller H. Emapticap Study Group C-C motif-ligand 2 inhibition with emapticap pegol (NOX-E36) in type 2 diabetic patients with albuminuria Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 32 2017 307 315 28186566 10.1093/ndt/gfv459 PMC5410979
113 Park E.J. Choi J. Lee K.C. Na D.H. Emerging PEGylated non-biologic drugs Expet Opin. Emerg. Drugs 24 2019 107 119 10.1080/14728214.2019.1604684 30957581
114 Boyce M. Warrington S. Cortezi B. Zöllner S. Vauléon S. Swinkels D.W. Summo L. Schwoebel F. Riecke K. Safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the anti-hepcidin Spiegelmer lexaptepid pegol in healthy subjects Br. J. Pharmacol. 173 2016 1580 1588 26773325 10.1111/bph.13433 PMC4842915
115 van Eijk L.T. John A.S.E. Schwoebel F. Summo L. Vauléon S. Zöllner S. Laarakkers C.M. Kox M. van der Hoeven J.G. Swinkels D.W. Effect of the antihepcidin Spiegelmer lexaptepid on inflammation-induced decrease in serum iron in humans Blood 124 2014 2643 2646 25163699 10.1182/blood-2014-03-559484 PMC4208279
116 Steurer M. Montillo M. Scarfò L. Mauro F.R. Andel J. Wildner S. Trentin L. Janssens A. Burgstaller S. Frömming A. Olaptesed pegol (NOX-A12) with bendamustine and rituximab: a phase IIa study in patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia Haematologica 104 2019 2053 2060 31097627 10.3324/haematol.2018.205930 PMC6886437
117 Giordano F.A. Layer J.P. Leonardelli S. Friker L.L. Turiello R. Corvino D. Zeyen T. Schaub C. Müller W. Sperk E. L-RNA aptamer-based CXCL12 inhibition combined with radiotherapy in newly-diagnosed glioblastoma: dose escalation of the phase I/II GLORIA trial Nat. Commun. 15 2024 4210 38806504 10.1038/s41467-024-48416-9 PMC11133480
118 Rosenberg J.E. Bambury R.M. Van Allen E.M. Drabkin H.A. Lara P.N. Jr. Harzstark A.L. Wagle N. Figlin R.A. Smith G.W. Garraway L.A. A phase II trial of AS1411 (a novel nucleolin-targeted DNA aptamer) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma Invest. N. Drugs 32 2014 178 187 10.1007/s10637-013-0045-6 PMC4560460 24242861
119 Benedict C.R. Ryan J. Wolitzky B. Ramos R. Gerlach M. Tijburg P. Stern D. Active site-blocked factor IXa prevents intravascular thrombus formation in the coronary vasculature without inhibiting extravascular coagulation in a canine thrombosis model J. Clin. Investig. 88 1991 1760 1765 1939660 10.1172/JCI115495 PMC295722
120 Cohen M.G. Purdy D.A. Rossi J.S. Grinfeld L.R. Myles S.K. Aberle L.H. Greenbaum A.B. Fry E. Chan M.Y. Tonkens R.M. First clinical application of an actively reversible direct factor IXa inhibitor as an anticoagulation strategy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention Circulation 122 2010 614 622 20660806 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.927756
121 Povsic T.J. Cohen M.G. Chan M.Y. Zelenkofske S.L. Wargin W.A. Harrington R.A. Alexander J.H. Rusconi C.P. Becker R.C. Dose selection for a direct and selective factor IXa inhibitor and its complementary reversal agent: translating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the REG1 system to clinical trial design J. Thromb. Thrombolysis 32 2011 21 31 21503856 10.1007/s11239-011-0588-3
122 Povsic T.J. Vavalle J.P. Alexander J.H. Aberle L.H. Zelenkofske S.L. Becker R.C. Buller C.E. Cohen M.G. Cornel J.H. Kasprzak J.D. Use of the REG1 anticoagulation system in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: results from the phase II RADAR-PCI study EuroIntervention. 10 2014 431 438 24929350 10.4244/EIJY14M06_01
123 Povsic T.J. Cohen M.G. Mehran R. Buller C.E. Bode C. Cornel J.H. Kasprzak J.D. Montalescot G. Joseph D. Wargin W.A. A randomized, partially blinded, multicenter, active-controlled, dose-ranging study assessing the safety, efficacy, and pharmacodynamics of the REG1 anticoagulation system in patients with acute coronary syndromes: design and rationale of the RADAR Phase IIb trial Am. Heart J. 161 2011 261 268.e2682 21315207 10.1016/j.ahj.2010.10.022
124 Povsic T.J. Vavalle J.P. Aberle L.H. Kasprzak J.D. Cohen M.G. Mehran R. Bode C. Buller C.E. Montalescot G. Cornel J.H. A Phase 2, randomized, partially blinded, active-controlled study assessing the efficacy and safety of variable anticoagulation reversal using the REG1 system in patients with acute coronary syndromes: results of the RADAR trial Eur. Heart J. 34 2013 2481 2489 22859796 10.1093/eurheartj/ehs232 PMC3895957
125 Vavalle J.P. Rusconi C.P. Zelenkofske S. Wargin W.A. Alexander J.H. Becker R.C. A phase 1 ascending dose study of a subcutaneously administered factor IXa inhibitor and its active control agent J. Thromb. Haemostasis 10 2012 1303 1311 22500821 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04742.x
126 Lincoff A.M. Mehran R. Povsic T.J. Zelenkofske S.L. Huang Z. Armstrong P.W. Steg P.G. Bode C. Cohen M.G. Buller C. Effect of the REG1 anticoagulation system versus bivalirudin on outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (REGULATE-PCI): a randomised clinical trial Lancet 387 2016 349 356 26547100 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00515-2
127 Gilbert J.C. DeFeo-Fraulini T. Hutabarat R.M. Horvath C.J. Merlino P.G. Marsh H.N. Healy J.M. Boufakhreddine S. Holohan T.V. Schaub R.G. First-in-human evaluation of anti von Willebrand factor therapeutic aptamer ARC1779 in healthy volunteers Circulation 116 2007 2678 2686 18025536 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.724864
128 Jilma-Stohlawetz P. Gorczyca M.E. Jilma B. Siller-Matula J. Gilbert J.C. Knöbl P. Inhibition of von Willebrand factor by ARC1779 in patients with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura Thromb. Haemost. 105 2011 545 552 21174003 10.1160/TH10-08-0520
129 Markus H.S. McCollum C. Imray C. Goulder M.A. Gilbert J. King A. The von Willebrand inhibitor ARC1779 reduces cerebral embolization after carotid endarterectomy: a randomized trial Stroke 42 2011 2149 2153 21700934 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.616649
130 Cataland S.R. Peyvandi F. Mannucci P.M. Lämmle B. Kremer Hovinga J.A. Machin S.J. Scully M. Rock G. Gilbert J.C. Yang S. Initial experience from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical outcome study of ARC1779 in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura Am. J. Hematol. 87 2012 430 432 22367751 10.1002/ajh.23106
131 Cai S. Yan J. Xiong H. Liu Y. Peng D. Liu Z. Investigations on the interface of nucleic acid aptamers and binding targets Analyst 143 2018 5317 5338 30357118 10.1039/c8an01467a
132 Yang L.F. Ling M. Kacherovsky N. Pun S.H. Aptamers 101: aptamer discovery and in vitro applications in biosensors and separations Chem. Sci. 14 2023 4961 4978 37206388 10.1039/d3sc00439b PMC10189874
133 Hasegawa H. Savory N. Abe K. Ikebukuro K. Methods for Improving Aptamer Binding Affinity Molecules 21 2016 421 27043498 10.3390/molecules21040421 PMC6273865
134 Wang Z. Yang X. Lee N.Z. Cao X. Multivalent Aptamer Approach: Designs, Strategies, and Applications Micromachines 13 2022 436 10.3390/mi13030436 PMC8956053 35334728
135 Tsao S.M. Lai J.C. Horng H.E. Liu T.C. Hong C.Y. Generation of Aptamers from A Primer-Free Randomized ssDNA Library Using Magnetic-Assisted Rapid Aptamer Selection Sci. Rep. 7 2017 45478 10.1038/srep45478 PMC5377317 28367958
136 Huang Z. Szostak J.W. Evolution of aptamers with a new specificity and new secondary structures from an ATP aptamer Rna 9 2003 1456 1463 14624002 10.1261/rna.5990203 PMC1370500
137 Bruno J. Effects of Various Additives on Cancer Biomarker Aptamer-Magnetic Pull-Down in Human Serum j. bionanosci. 11 2017 45 51
138 Li H.H. Wen C.-Y. Hong C.-Y. Lai J.-C. Evaluation of aptamer specificity with or without primers using clinical samples for C-reactive protein by magnetic-assisted rapid aptamer selection RSC Adv. 7 2017 42856 42865
139 Kalra P. Dhiman A. Cho W.C. Bruno J.G. Sharma T.K. Simple Methods and Rational Design for Enhancing Aptamer Sensitivity and Specificity Front. Mol. Biosci. 5 2018 41 29868605 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00041 PMC5966647
140 Li L. Jiang Y. Cui C. Yang Y. Zhang P. Stewart K. Pan X. Li X. Yang L. Qiu L. Tan W. Modulating Aptamer Specificity with pH-Responsive DNA Bonds J. Am. Chem. Soc. 140 2018 13335 13339 30212189 10.1021/jacs.8b08047 PMC6457906
141 Kuwahara M. Sugimoto N. Molecular evolution of functional nucleic acids with chemical modifications Molecules 15 2010 5423 5444 20714306 10.3390/molecules15085423 PMC6257756
142 Cheng F. He Y. Xing X.J. Tan D.D. Lin Y. Pang D.W. Tang H.W. A gold nanoparticle-based label free colorimetric aptasensor for adenosine deaminase detection and inhibition assay Analyst 140 2015 1572 1577 25597304 10.1039/c4an02070g
143 Ku T.-H. Zhang T. Luo H. Yen T.M. Chen P.-W. Han Y. Lo Y.-H. Nucleic Acid Aptamers: An Emerging Tool for Biotechnology and Biomedical Sensing Sensors 15 2015 16281 16313 26153774 10.3390/s150716281 PMC4541879
144 Bock L.C. Griffin L.C. Latham J.A. Vermaas E.H. Toole J.J. Selection of single-stranded DNA molecules that bind and inhibit human thrombin Nature 355 1992 564 566 1741036 10.1038/355564a0
145 Dey A.K. Griffiths C. Lea S.M. James W. Structural characterization of an anti-gp120 RNA aptamer that neutralizes R5 strains of HIV-1 Rna 11 2005 873 884 15923374 10.1261/rna.7205405 PMC1370772
146 Hirota M. Murakami I. Ishikawa Y. Suzuki T. Sumida S.i. Ibaragi S. Kasai H. Horai N. Drolet D.W. Gupta S. Chemically Modified Interleukin-6 Aptamer Inhibits Development of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Cynomolgus Monkeys Nucleic Acid Therapeut. 26 2016 10 19 10.1089/nat.2015.0567 PMC4753578 26579954
147 Khatri S. Hansen J. Pedersen N.B. Brandt-Clausen I.P. Gram-Nielsen S. Mendes A.C. Chronakis I.S. Keiding U.B. Catrina A.I. Rethi B. Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Aptamer Treatment Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis Biomacromolecules 23 2022 2126 2137 35438963 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00144
148 Wu G. Liu C. Cao B. Cao Z. Zhai H. Liu B. Jin S. Yang X. Lv C. Wang J. Connective tissue growth factor-targeting DNA aptamer suppresses pannus formation as diagnostics and therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis Front. Immunol. 13 2022 934061 10.3389/fimmu.2022.934061 PMC9389230 35990694
149 Corrêa L.B. Pinto S.R. Alencar L.M.R. Missailidis S. Rosas E.C. Henriques M.d.G.M.d.O. Santos-Oliveira R. Nanoparticle conjugated with aptamer anti-MUC1/Y for inflammatory arthritis Colloids Surf. B Biointerfaces 211 2022 112280 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2021.112280 34902784
150 Ishiguro A. Akiyama T. Adachi H. Inoue J.i. Nakamura Y. Therapeutic potential of anti-interleukin-17A aptamer: suppression of interleukin-17A signaling and attenuation of autoimmunity in two mouse models Arthritis Rheum. 63 2011 455 466 20967861 10.1002/art.30108
151 Shobeiri S.S. Mashayekhi K. Khorrami M. Moghadam M. Sankian M. Selection and characterization of a new human Interleukin-17A blocking DNA aptamer using protein-SELEX Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 637 2022 32 39 36375248 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.005
152 Orava E.W. Jarvik N. Shek Y.L. Sidhu S.S. Gariépy J. A short DNA aptamer that recognizes TNFα and blocks its activity in vitro ACS Chem. Biol. 8 2013 170 178 23046187 10.1021/cb3003557
153 Chu X. Du X. Yang L. Wang Z. Zhang Y. Wang X. Dai L. Zhang J. Liu J. Zhang N. Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 with Selected Aptamers for Anti-Inflammatory Activity ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 15 2023 11599 11608 36812453 10.1021/acsami.3c00131
154 Lee B. Jo Y. Kim G. Ali L.A. Sohn D.H. Lee S.-G. Kim K. Shin E. Ryu S.H. Hong C. Specific Inhibition of Soluble γc Receptor Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis by Modulating the Inflammatory T Cell Responses Front. Immunol. 10 2019 209 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00209 PMC6375885 30800133
155 Meyer C. Eydeler K. Magbanua E. Zivkovic T. Piganeau N. Lorenzen I. Grötzinger J. Mayer G. Rose-John S. Hahn U. Interleukin-6 receptor specific RNA aptamers for cargo delivery into target cells RNA Biol. 9 2012 67 80 22258147 10.4161/rna.9.1.18062 PMC3342945
156 Sung H.J. Choi S. Lee J.W. Ok C.Y. Bae Y.-S. Kim Y.-H. Lee W. Heo K. Kim I.-H. Inhibition of human neutrophil activity by an RNA aptamer bound to interleukin-8 Biomaterials 35 2014 578 589 24129312 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.09.107
157 Liang C. Guo B. Wu H. Shao N. Li D. Liu J. Dang L. Wang C. Li H. Li S. Aptamer-functionalized lipid nanoparticles targeting osteoblasts as a novel RNA interference–based bone anabolic strategy Nat. Med. 21 2015 288 294 25665179 10.1038/nm.3791 PMC5508976
158 Xu L. Zhu J. Rong L. Yang H. Wang B. Lu S. Zhang L. Li F. Yang S. Wang Z. Osteoblast-specific down-regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by aptamer-functionalized liposome nanoparticles improves bone quality in postmenopausal osteoporosis rats Theranostics 14 2024 3945 3962 38994035 10.7150/thno.95423 PMC11234270
159 Zhang N. Zhang Z.K. Yu Y. Zhuo Z. Zhang G. Zhang B.T. Pros and Cons of Denosumab Treatment for Osteoporosis and Implication for RANKL Aptamer Therapy Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 8 2020 325 32478071 10.3389/fcell.2020.00325 PMC7240042
160 Wang S. Deng Z. Ma Y. Jin J. Qi F. Li S. Liu C. Lyu F.J. Zheng Q. The Role of Autophagy and Mitophagy in Bone Metabolic Disorders Int. J. Biol. Sci. 16 2020 2675 2691 32792864 10.7150/ijbs.46627 PMC7415419
161 Danieau G. Morice S. Rédini F. Verrecchia F. Royer B.B. New Insights about the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Primary Bone Tumors and Their Microenvironment: A Promising Target to Develop Therapeutic Strategies? Int. J. Mol. Sci. 20 2019 3751 10.3390/ijms20153751 PMC6696068 31370265
162 Chen L. Li D.Q. Zhong J. Wu X.L. Chen Q. Peng H. Liu S.Q. IL-17RA aptamer-mediated repression of IL-6 inhibits synovium inflammation in a murine model of osteoarthritis Osteoarthr. Cartil. 19 2011 711 718 10.1016/j.joca.2011.01.018 21310253
163 Shimoaka T. Ogasawara T. Yonamine A. Chikazu D. Kawano H. Nakamura K. Itoh N. Kawaguchi H. Regulation of osteoblast, chondrocyte, and osteoclast functions by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-18 in comparison with FGF-2 and FGF-10 J. Biol. Chem. 277 2002 7493 7500 11741978 10.1074/jbc.M108653200
164 Kimura T. Bosakova M. Nonaka Y. Hruba E. Yasuda K. Futakawa S. Kubota T. Fafilek B. Gregor T. Abraham S.P. An RNA aptamer restores defective bone growth in FGFR3-related skeletal dysplasia in mice Sci. Transl. Med. 13 2021 eaba4226 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba4226 33952673
165 Aoki K. Aptamer for ADAMTS5 and Use for Aptamer for ADAMTS5 Google Patents 2022
166 Yu Y. Liu M. Choi V.N.T. Cheung Y.W. Tanner J.A. Selection and characterization of DNA aptamers inhibiting a druggable target of osteoarthritis, ADAMTS-5 Biochimie 201 2022 168 176 35700850 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.06.001
167 Prodeus A. Sparkes A. Fischer N.W. Cydzik M. Huang E. Khatri I. Young A. Woo L. Chow C.W. Gorczynski R. Gariépy J. A Synthetic Cross-Species CD200R1 Agonist Suppresses Inflammatory Immune Responses In Vivo Mol. Ther. Nucleic Acids 12 2018 350 358 30195773 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.05.023 PMC6037911
168 Koning N. Swaab D.F. Hoek R.M. Huitinga I. Distribution of the immune inhibitory molecules CD200 and CD200R in the normal central nervous system and multiple sclerosis lesions suggests neuron-glia and glia-glia interactions J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 68 2009 159 167 19151626 10.1097/NEN.0b013e3181964113
169 Vachhani K. Prodeus A. Nakamura S. Rockel J.S. Hopfgartner A. Kapoor M. Gariépy J. Whyne C. Nam D. Can CD200R1 Agonists Slow the Progression of Osteoarthritis Secondary to Injury? Front. Immunol. 13 2022 836837 10.3389/fimmu.2022.836837 PMC8964055 35359946
170 Ji M.L. Jiang H. Wu F. Geng R. Ya L.K. Lin Y.C. Xu J.H. Wu X.T. Lu J. Precise targeting of miR-141/200c cluster in chondrocytes attenuates osteoarthritis development Ann. Rheum. Dis. 80 2021 356 366 33109602 10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-218469
171 Chen X. Zhang L. Shao X. Gong W. Shi T. Dong J. Shi Y. Shen S. He Y. Qin J. Specific Clearance of Senescent Synoviocytes Suppresses the Development of Osteoarthritis based on Aptamer-Functionalized Targeted Drug Delivery System Adv. Funct. Mater. 32 2022 2109460
172 Sun J.L. Yan J.F. Yu S.B. Zhao J. Lin Q.Q. Jiao K. MicroRNA-29b Promotes Subchondral Bone Loss in TMJ Osteoarthritis J. Dent. Res. 99 2020 1469 1477 32693649 10.1177/0022034520937617
173 Mor-Vaknin N. Saha A. Legendre M. Carmona-Rivera C. Amin M.A. Rabquer B.J. Gonzales-Hernandez M.J. Jorns J. Mohan S. Yalavarthi S. DEK-targeting DNA aptamers as therapeutics for inflammatory arthritis Nat. Commun. 8 2017 14252 10.1038/ncomms14252 PMC5303823 28165452
174 Cao J. Su J. An M. Yang Y. Zhang Y. Zuo J. Zhang N. Zhao Y. Novel DEK-Targeting Aptamer Delivered by a Hydrogel Microneedle Attenuates Collagen-Induced Arthritis Mol. Pharm. 18 2021 305 316 33253580 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00954
175 Zhou J. Rossi J. Aptamers as targeted therapeutics: current potential and challenges Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 16 2017 181 202 27807347 10.1038/nrd.2016.199 PMC5700751
176 Ovacik M. Lin K. Tutorial on Monoclonal Antibody Pharmacokinetics and Its Considerations in Early Development Clin. Transl. Sci. 11 2018 540 552 29877608 10.1111/cts.12567 PMC6226118
177 Castelli M.S. McGonigle P. Hornby P.J. The pharmacology and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies Pharmacol. Res. Perspect. 7 2019 e00535 10.1002/prp2.535 PMC6923804 31859459
178 Zhang Y. Zhang H. Chan D.W.H. Ma Y. Lu A. Yu S. Zhang B. Zhang G. Strategies for developing long-lasting therapeutic nucleic acid aptamer targeting circulating protein: The present and the future Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 10 2022 1048148 10.3389/fcell.2022.1048148 PMC9664076 36393853
179 Pereira R.L. Nascimento I.C. Santos A.P. Ogusuku I.E.Y. Lameu C. Mayer G. Ulrich H. Aptamers: novelty tools for cancer biology Oncotarget 9 2018 26934 26953 29928493 10.18632/oncotarget.25260 PMC6003562
180 Bukari B. Samarasinghe R.M. Noibanchong J. Shigdar S.L. Non-Invasive Delivery of Therapeutics into the Brain: The Potential of Aptamers for Targeted Delivery Biomedicines 8 2020 120 10.3390/biomedicines8050120 PMC7277349 32422973
181 Ilgu M. Nilsen-Hamilton M. Aptamers in analytics Analyst 141 2016 1551 1568 26864075 10.1039/c5an01824b PMC5084531
182 Chen Z. Hu L. Zhang B.T. Lu A. Wang Y. Yu Y. Zhang G. Artificial Intelligence in Aptamer-Target Binding Prediction Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22 2021 3605 10.3390/ijms22073605 PMC8038094 33808496
183 Fallah A. Havaei S.A. Sedighian H. Kachuei R. Fooladi A.A.I. Prediction of aptamer affinity using an artificial intelligence approach J. Mater. Chem. B 12 2024 8825 8842 39158322 10.1039/d4tb00909f
184 Andersson P. den Besten C. Chapter 20: Preclinical and clinical drug-metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and safety of therapeutic oligonucleotides Agrawal S. Gai M.J. Advances in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry 474 531
185 Hammond S.M. Aartsma-Rus A. Alves S. Borgos S.E. Buijsen R.A.M. Collin R.W.J. Covello G. Denti M.A. Desviat L.R. Echevarría L. Delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics: challenges and opportunities EMBO Mol. Med. 13 2021 e13243 10.15252/emmm.202013243 PMC8033518 33821570
186 Healy J.M. Lewis S.D. Kurz M. Boomer R.M. Thompson K.M. Wilson C. McCauley T.G. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of novel aptamer compositions Pharm. Res. 21 2004 2234 2246 15648255 10.1007/s11095-004-7676-4
187 Kang S. Hah S.S. Improved ligand binding by antibody-aptamer pincers Bioconjug. Chem. 25 2014 1421 1427 25010569 10.1021/bc500269y