New drug – CNTX-4975 – appears to be effective and well tolerated in people with knee osteoarthritis

A single injection of a new drug called CNTX-4975 improves pain, knee stiffness and physical function, and is well tolerated too, scientists reported improves pain, knee stiffness and physical function, and is well tolerated too, scientists reported at PAINWeek.

A total of 172 people aged 45 to 80 years with osteoarthritis knee pain were split into groups: 69 people had an injection of a sham drug, 33 people were given 0.5mg of CNTX-4975 and 70 people were given 1mg of CNTX-4975.

“The treatment provides an onset of effect within one week, with an average of severe pain at baseline improving to no to mild pain at 12 weeks after treatment,” says Dr Randall M. Stevens who is involved with the work. “Additionally, we’ve seen improvement in knee function and stiffness by about 50% at 12 weeks. This benefit is greatest at 12 weeks, but clinically meaningful improvement continues to 24 weeks. The expected dosing is every six months to maintain efficacy, so we’re optimistic that patients will not only see an improvement in pain and function, but also in their quality of life, as they are able to more easily perform everyday tasks, like climbing stairs or returning to work.”

The number of people with knee osteoarthritis is increasing due to our ageing population and current treatments are limited. So the prospect of a new option is exciting and further trials will take place.

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