Small molecule therapeutics for inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases: Past, present and future

Exp Cell Res. 2017 Oct 1;359(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.07.027. Epub 2017 Jul 22.

Abstract

Inflammation-associated chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases (ICMDDs) like osteoarthritis and tendinopathy often results in morbidity and disability, with consequent heavy socio-economic burden. Current available therapies such as NSAIDs and glucocorticoid are palliative rather than disease-modifying. Insufficient systematic research data on disease molecular mechanism also makes it difficult to exploit valid therapeutic targets. Small molecules are designed to act on specific signaling pathways and/or mechanisms of cellular physiology and function, and have gradually shown potential for treating ICMDDs. In this review, we would examine and analyze recent developments in small molecule drugs for ICMDDs, suggest possible feasible improvements in treatment modalities, and discuss future research directions.

Keywords: Chronic musculoskeletal degenerative diseases; Inflammation; Osteoarthritis; Signaling pathways; Small molecule; Tendinopathy.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology
  • Small Molecule Libraries / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Small Molecule Libraries