Cartilage, the connective tissue that protects joints, can degenerate over time, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. To address this, 13 companies and institutions are actively developing 14 new drugs aimed at treating cartilage degeneration. The majority of these drugs are in the preclinical stage, suggesting significant potential for future treatments. Research focuses on various targets, including growth factors and interleukin receptors, utilizing diverse approaches like cell therapy and small molecule drugs. This research represents a promising step towards alleviating the pain and limitations associated with cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.