The Arthritis National Research Foundation:
Improving Lives Through Research

The Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) has dedicated more than 40 years to funding researchers who are fighting to help Americans live pain-free. The ANRF funds the work of the country’s leading clinical researchers who are seeking improved treatment and the ultimate cure of arthritis.

As our population ages each year, arthritis continues to be one of our country’s most pervasive health problems. Experts estimate by the year 2020, an estimated 75 million Americans will be affected by arthritis. Regrettably, more than 11 million will be disabled from the condition.

For the more than 66 million Americans suffering from arthritis today, new treatment options and aggressive research projects are the only hope for relief and a cure. By providing grant funds for basic and clinical research into the causes of and new treatments for arthritis, the ANRF is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for each of the 100 different forms of arthritis.

This year the ANRF is funding 14 grants, totaling $700,000. Research breakthroughs resulting from previous ANRF grants include:

• Discovery of cytokines, a class of molecules, one of which is termed TNF, which may be involved in the tissue destruction seen in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
  
• Discovery of a receptor that neutralizes TNF before it gets to cell tissue. This discovery led to the FDA approved drug Enbrel, a treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
  
• Development of gene therapy to relieve arthritis pain.

For more information about the ANRF, its grant process or advancements in arthritis treatments, call the ANRF at 800-588-CURE or visit www.curearthritis.org.

###