Arthritis Foundation Issues Statement recognizing the need for better treatment for osteoarthritis patients.
The Arthritis Foundation recognizes the need for life-changing science and medical breakthroughs for all people living with arthritis and is leading the fight to ensure new treatments are being developed to help patients manage their chronic pain.
Atlanta, March 26, 2021- Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, affecting more than 30 million adults in the U.S. It’s not just a physically painful disease; it can also be incredibly isolating and discouraging. Although the outcome is disheartening, we remain committed to championing the fight for a cure.
At the Arthritis Foundation, we more than anyone recognize the need for life-changing science and medical breakthroughs for all people living with arthritis – because the current available treatment options are simply not enough. Through our nationwide network of committed Advocates, we are leading the fight to ensure new treatments are being developed to help Patients manage their chronic pain. The voices of our Patients are the most powerful weapons in the fight against arthritis, and we are proud of them for sharing their stories.
For Michele Andwele, the fight is personal in more ways than one. Not only is she a public health expert for the Arthritis Foundation, but she has also lived with arthritis since 2006 and is actively engaged as a Patient Advocate. In a testimony to the joint FDA advisory committee on March 24, she shared the importance of symptom management for OA patients – since there is no cure.
“Pain can’t be ignored. If patients could wave a magic wand – the first thing they would eliminate is the pain,” said Andwele, citing a recent Arthritis Foundation OA Patient deep dive survey. “Nearly one in three say they’ve tried everything, but nothing is working, and they want other non-surgery options.”
We still have a long way to go, but we’ll remain committed to our Patients by encouraging and supporting the development of new, safe effective treatments. We’ll continue to fight for a cure until every person living with arthritis can say Yes to a pain-free life.
- Steven Taylor, Executive Vice President, Mission & Strategic Initiatives for the Arthritis Foundation.
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