The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Arthritis Foundation have awarded a $500,000 multicenter research grant to UCSF Health’s Michael Davies, MD, and co-principal investigators Brian Feeley, MD, of UCSF and Robert Tashjian, MD of the University of Utah, for a first-of-its-kind collaboration intended to at advance research and treatment of osteoarthritis.
The trio are receiving the grant to support their pioneering study “Defining the Molecular Signature of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Using a Multi-Omic Approach” which is designed to unravel the complexities of should pathology and shoulder osteoarthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
The project uses advanced genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses to uncover the biological mechanisms driving this debilitating disease. By identifying novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, the research aims to improve early diagnosis and develop personalized treatment options.
“We’re incredibly excited about the potential of this study to revolutionize our understanding of shoulder OA,” said C. Benjamin Ma, MD, chair of the UCSF Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the chair of the AOSSM Research Committee. “This award represents the largest investment in research in our society’s history, and we look forward to the discoveries that will emerge from this remarkable team.”
Davies and Feeley lead this innovative effort alongside Dr. Tashjian and collaborators nationwide, reflecting UCSF Health’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports medicine and orthopedic research.
The award follows a 2024 Shoulder Osteoarthritis Think Tank convened by AOSSM and the Arthritis Foundation, which brought together leading experts to set a strategic vision for multicenter clinical trials targeting osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.
About UCSF Health: UCSF Health is recognized worldwide for its innovative patient care, reflecting the latest medical knowledge, advanced technologies and pioneering research. It includes the flagship UCSF Medical Center, which is a top-ranked specialty hospital, as well as UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland; Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics; UCSF Benioff Children’s Physicians; and the UCSF Faculty Practice. These hospitals serve as the academic medical center of the University of California, San Francisco, which is world-renowned for its graduate-level health sciences education and biomedical research. UCSF Health has affiliations with hospitals and health organizations throughout the Bay Area. Visit http://www.ucsfhealth.org/. Follow UCSF Health on Facebook or on Threads.
