Epilepsy drug lacosamide shows potential to repair osteoarthritis joint damage

Researchers at Yale University have identified a potential new application for the Food and Drug Administration approved epilepsy medication lacosamide, Science Daily Exercise reported. Preclinical studies indicate that the drug blocks a specific protein involved in both pain signaling and cartilage destruction. This mechanism appears to help damaged joints shift back toward repair. [1]

Osteoarthritis affects millions of people by causing pain and stiffness that make everyday activities difficult, Science Daily Exercise noted. Standard treatments such as over the counter medications and steroid injections can temporarily reduce symptoms, but they do not stop the underlying joint damage. [1]

The potential treatment uses lacosamide, an anti-seizure medication. Another common anti-seizure medication used to treat epilepsy is levetiracetam, which is sold under the brand name Keppra. [1][2]