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Knee osteoarthritis, a debilitating condition linked to obesity, could soon have a new treatment option on the horizon. A phase 3 clinical trial has revealed that semaglutide—a drug already recognized for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss—may significantly reduce knee pain and improve mobility in patients with obesity-related osteoarthritis. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study highlights a dual benefit: substantial weight loss and marked pain relief.
The trial, which spanned 68 weeks and included 407 participants, found that patients receiving a weekly dose of 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide experienced a 41.7-point reduction in pain scores on a 96-point scale—significantly outperforming the 27.5-point reduction seen in the placebo group. Additionally, patients treated with semaglutide saw an average body weight reduction of 13.7%, compared to just 3.2% in the placebo group. The researchers noted that some participants experienced such profound pain relief that they were effectively "treated out of the study."
The findings build on prior evidence that semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), not only aids in weight loss by reducing appetite but may also have anti-inflammatory effects. These effects could address both the mechanical strain and inflammatory processes associated with obesity-related knee osteoarthritis.
Obesity-related knee osteoarthritis affects hundreds of millions globally, creating a vicious cycle where pain limits physical activity, further exacerbating weight gain and joint stress. While weight reduction is a cornerstone of treatment, adherence to diet and exercise programs is notoriously difficult due to the pain and limitations imposed by the condition. Semaglutide’s dual impact on weight and pain may help break this cycle, offering patients not only symptomatic relief but also improved mobility and quality of life.
However, the study's findings come with caveats. The trial was partially funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of semaglutide. Additionally, the long-term feasibility of semaglutide as a treatment remains uncertain, given the high cost of the drug and the risk of weight regain once treatment is stopped. Despite these challenges, the study underscores the potential of semaglutide to address the unmet needs of patients for whom current treatment options are limited or ineffective.
As rheumatologist Henning Bliddal from Copenhagen University Hospital notes, "Weight reduction along with physical activity is often a recommended approach to managing painful symptoms, but adherence can be challenging." With further research, semaglutide could offer a new solution for this patient population.