Osteoarthritis (OA) affects ~600 million people globally and its prevalence is continually rising in aging populations worldwide. OA is currently an inexorably progressive disease where current standard of care drugs (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid etc.) don’t slow or reverse joint degeneration once it has occurred.

Joint replacement is currently the only “curative“ treatment but is highly invasive, expensive, requires extensive remobilization / rehabilitation therapy

and the procedure poses additional risks, particularly in elderly patients. DRT-101 has the potential to be a truly disease-modifying therapy to slow

disease progession and delay or prevent surgery with potential to revolutionize OA care.

Why Osteoarthritis Matters
Globally, OA represents a growing public health challenge due to rising prevalence and aging populations:

- Over 600 million people worldwide live with osteoarthritis — approximately 8% of the global population. (Global Burden of Disease Study, 2024)

- Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability, accounting for over 21 million years lived with disability (YLDs) globally.

- OA is not just “wear and tear” — it is a chronic, progressive disease that affects joint function and quality of life.

- Patients may experience chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can limit daily activities and work productivity.

- OA contributes to significant healthcare costs, including long-term medication, physical therapy, and joint replacement surgeries.

- There is currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Treatments primarily focus on symptom relief and functional improvement.

- Management options include:

              Lifestyle changes: weight management, exercise, and joint protection

              Medications: pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs

              Injections: corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid

              Surgery: joint replacement for advanced OA

- Treatment effectiveness varies between patients due to disease heterogeneity (joint affected, severity, co-morbidities).

- Access to advanced treatments like joint replacement is limited in some regions, creating disparities in care.

- Modifiable risk factors: obesity, sedentary lifestyle, joint injuries, occupational stress on joints.

- Non-modifiable risk factors: age, genetics, prior joint trauma.

- Early intervention through weight management, physical activity, and injury prevention can slow disease progression.

- Public health measures and education can help reduce the burden of OA on individuals and healthcare systems.