Promising osteoarthritis drug developed from caterpillar fungus

A new UK research project has developed a potentially effective new painkiller for people with osteoarthritis using a type of parasitic mushroom.

The University of Nottingham study, backed by Arthritis Research UK, is exploring the painkilling potential of cordycepin, a compound found in cordyceps mushrooms, which grow on caterpillars and are widely used in Chinese traditional medicine.

Cordycepin blocks the inflammatory process that cause pain in osteoarthritis in a completely different way and at a different stage in the process to existing painkillers, such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen.

It is thought that it could offer new potential in situations where established therapies do not work, while also producing fewer side effects. If the safety and effectiveness of the compound can be proven, clinical trials could begin within six to ten years.

Dr Cornelia de Moor of the University of Nottingham said: "This study is the first step in a potential drug development for a new class of drugs for osteoarthritis."