Abstract: Described herein are methods for using bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), such as OP-1 (also known as BMP-7), to treat pain caused by osteoarthritis. The methods involve administering to a patient suffering from pain caused by osteoarthritis a BMP, for example, intraarticularly by injection directly into the joint afflicted with osteoarthritis. The methods of the invention provide long-term pain relief to sufferers of osteoarthritis and can improve the functionality of the joint to which the BMP is administered.

Abstract: A method for treating mammalian articular cartilage disorders, more particularly osteoarthritis, and trauma-related cartilage injuries using insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is provided. The method comprises increasing the amount of IGF-I at the diseased or injured articular site to a therapeutically effective level that is capable of maintenance and/or regeneration of cartilage, which is beneficial to the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis and trauma-related injuries to cartilage tissues. In one embodiment of the invention, single doses of at least 0.01 mg of pharmaceutically effective IGF-I are administered intermittently such that the duration of time off of therapy is greater than the time on therapy, more preferably with a frequency of administration of about once per week or less.