Imaging atlas for eligibility and on-study safety of potential knee adverse events in anti-NGF studies (Part 1).

Monoclonal antibodies that bind and inhibit nerve growth factor (NGF) have demonstrated both, good analgesic efficacy and improvement in function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Despite initial promising data, trials in OA had been suspended by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to concerns over accelerated rates of OA progression. Imaging will play a crucial role in future clinical trials to define eligibility of potential participants and to monitor safety during the course of these studies. This will require baseline and frequent follow-up radiographs of both, the index joints and other large weight bearing joints to identify subjects at risk prior inclusion and on study so treatment can be discontinued. This imaging overview in the form of an atlas describes and illustrates potential exclusionary joint imaging findings at eligibility and potential adverse joint events on radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in studies investigating a-NGF compounds. The overarching goal of this atlas is to facilitate trial design and to promote a common language and understanding between potential expert readers. This first section of the atlas will focus on knee joint specific findings that are relevant to a-NGF studies.