Researchers across the UK will join forces in a groundbreaking study to find out how biological factors, social factors and life events influence osteoarthritis (OA). Ten million people in the UK live with OA, yet people experience the condition in different ways that many clinical tests fail to capture. The SOLVE consortium (Stratification of Osteoarthritis to Promote Living Well and Treatment Effectiveness), involving researchers at the Institute of Genetics and Cancer and enabled by £3m funding from Arthritis UK, aims to understand why the current ‘one size fits all’ approach to OA is not working. Treatment plans rarely consider lifestyle factors, menopause, or joint injury, which can impact disease severity. In most cases, this generalised approach will not be the most effective way to reduce the symptoms of pain, stiffness and swelling which have huge impacts on people’s everyday lives. SOLVE, led by the University of Leeds and Keele University, will focus on identifying different types ('subgroups') of OA to better match treatments to individuals. This research will be guided by patient voices throughout all stages of research to drive tailored and improved patient outcomes. Four key areas SOLVE will gather a comprehensive understanding of OA by dividing research into four key areas:Analyse the different subgroups of OA Use advanced technology to study tissue samples and gain a better understanding of the different types of OA and how to treat them. Study how life events impact OAResearch how menopause and joint injuries can increase the risk of OA.Identify risks of disease progression Identify other health conditions which may results in faster OA progression and turn this into a tool to inform NHS healthcare professionals. Study how social factors impact OA Explore how income, education, or where somebody lives affects their ability to follow recommended exercise routines for those living with OA.Professor Cosimo De Bari, from the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, is a Principal Investigator in the SOLVE Consortium. My team will analyse biological samples from patients with osteoarthritis from the early stages of disease to identify factors that predict disease progression. Through this work, we aim to advance understanding of the different types of osteoarthritis and support the development of more targeted and effective therapies. Professor Cosimo De Bari Chair of Rheumatology Arthritis UK is the world’s largest funder of arthritis research, having invested £367m over the past 20 years into projects dedicated to supporting their vision of a future free from arthritis. Part of the charity’s drive is to harness ‘team science’ to better understand the causes and risk factors of arthritis and improve treatment options. We are proud to fund research that is operating at the forefront of medical advancements, that listens to patient voices and is committed to improving the very limited number of treatment options available. SOLVE will not only improve outcomes for those who face daily challenges from managing a complex and often-debilitating condition, but also improve knowledge amongst healthcare professionals, and inform on wider Government MSK policy, truly driving positive change. Professor Lucy Donaldson Director of Research at Arthritis UK The consortium brings together leading researchers from the universities of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, Keele, Leeds, Nottingham, Oxford and Southampton, alongside healthcare professionals and people with lived experience. Related links Cosimo De Bari's Research Group Tags 2026 Publication date 22 May, 2026
