Jean-Pierre Pelletier is a leading figure in translational research in the field of osteoarthritis. His contribution has been to truly take concepts all the way from molecule to man. His work has led to major discoveries in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and to the identification of major therapeutic targets that have been successfully validated in preclinical and clinical studies. His most recent work, the development of an innovative imaging technology for the assessment of the progression of arthritis is a further extension of his work on new therapeutic strategies. This technology has been instrumental in the breakthrough of a new field for the evaluation of strategies and treatment to cure osteoarthritis.