A landmark $100 million federal government investment is raising hopes for better treatments and even a cure for arthritis, a condition that affects one in four Australians.
Seven million Australians live with arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common form. The condition occurs when cartilage on the ends of bones wears down, causing chronic pain and even disability.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Federal government invests $100 million in arthritis cure research
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
Adelina Tabila, 74, lives in constant fear of another fall.
“With the aches and pains that I feel, almost like invisible,” she said.
For years, arthritis, which covers dozens of conditions affecting people from children to the elderly, has been neglected, costing the economy billions.
“They also cause major strain on our health system, costing over $16 billion a year,” Arthritis Australia CEO Louise Hardy said.
Seventy-four-year-old Adelina Tabila. Credit: 7NEWS
The $100 million injection will bring together doctors, scientists and patients to help find a cure.
“This will make an incredible difference to people,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
“We need to do more to understand the causes of it and the best way to treat it,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.
The funding will fast-track research already underway, including breakthroughs looking into new therapies and treatments that could stop arthritis causing permanent joint damage.
Federal government invests $100 million in landmark arthritis research funding Credit: 7NEWS
One of those new therapies includes trials using weight loss drugs to ease pressure on joints.
“In many areas we are at the forefront of research. This funding will allow these early and mid-career researchers to keep working. It’ll be transformative,” rheumatology specialist Professor Peter Youssef said.
Foster carer jailed for decades over years of ‘relentless’ child abuse
2 min read
Major twist in murder trial over death of disabled pensioner
1 min read
