| abstract |
Methods and compositions for inhibiting the degradation of articular cartilage. The composition preferably comprises a plurality of cartilage protective agents, comprising at least one agent that promotes cartilage anabolic activity and at least one agent that inhibits cartilage catabolism. The composition also includes one or more pain inhibitors and inflammation inhibitors. The composition can be administered systemically to treat patients at risk of cartilage degradation in multiple joints and can be stably formulated in a carrier or delivery vehicle targeted to the joints. Alternatively, the composition can be injected or injected directly into the joint. |