Clinical research programme

Clinical focus on arthritis

Why arthritis?

Arthritis affects the joints and surrounding tissues, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common forms. The condition is characterised by joint pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, fatigue, and impaired physical function, which can progressively limit a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Arthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide and is associated with substantial impacts on quality of life, mental health, workforce participation, and healthcare utilisation.

Home
Research
Arthritis
3.7 million
Australians are living with arthritis1 experience chronic pain3
 $14b
in annual health expenditure in Australia2
80

of people with arthritis

As populations age and rates of obesity increase, the prevalence and burden of arthritis are expected to continue rising, highlighting the need for innovative therapies such as cannabinoids to improve symptom management, physical function, and long-term patient outcomes.1-3

ON THIS PAGE

References

  1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Arthritis. Canberra: AIHW; 2024. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/arthritis
  2. Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745–1759
  3. Safiri S, Kolahi AA, Smith E, et al. Global, regional and national burden of osteoarthritis 1990–2019. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79:819–828.