The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthritis Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to UCSF’s Dr. Michael Davies (center) and co-principal investigators Dr. Brian Feeley (right) and Dr. Robert Tashjian (left) for their study, “Defining the Molecular Signature of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Using a Multi-Omic Approach.” (Photo courtesy of UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery)
Grant to support innovative work to improve care for millions affected by joint disease
SAN FRANCISCO (July 18, 2025) — The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery proudly announces that Dr. Michael Davies, along with co-principal investigators Dr. Brian Feeley of UCSF and Dr. Robert Tashjian of the University of Utah, have been awarded a $500,000 multicenter research grant. Provided by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, the grant supports a pioneering study aimed at unraveling the complexities of shoulder osteoarthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
The project, titled “Defining the Molecular Signature of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Using a Multi-Omic Approach,” uses advanced genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses to uncover the biological mechanisms driving this debilitating disease. By identifying novel biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, the research aims to improve early diagnosis and develop personalized treatment options.
“We’re incredibly excited about the potential of this study to revolutionize our understanding of shoulder OA,” said Dr. C. Benjamin Ma, chair of the AOSSM Research Committee. “This award represents the largest investment in research in our Society’s history, and we look forward to the discoveries that will emerge from this remarkable team.”
Drs. Davies and Feeley lead this innovative effort alongside Dr. Tashjian and collaborators nationwide, reflecting UCSF’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of sports medicine and orthopaedic research.
The award follows a 2024 Shoulder Osteoarthritis Think Tank convened by AOSSM and the Arthritis Foundation, which brought together leading experts to set a strategic vision for multicenter clinical trials targeting osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.
The full announcement from AOSSM and the Arthritis Foundation can be found here.
###