Once yearly treatment for osteoarthritis could be a future option

A promising new treatment for osteoarthritis that is given on a yearly basis is being trialled in Australia. The research team is are recruiting people in Melbourne, Australia, aged at least 50 years old who have knee pain on most days.
Bisphosphonates are already used to treat osteoporosis but could offer benefits to people with osteoarthritis too. The team is also looking at if cholesterol-lowering drugs might help to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Results will be available in three to four years.
“If this medication is effective, it will be a completely new treatment for slowing knee osteoarthritis from getting worse,” explains Prof Flavia Cicuttini who is leading the research. “Our ultimate goal is to relieve pain and improve the quality of life for people with knee pain and osteoarthritis.”

Image credit: Caroline

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