Clinical trials of anti-osteoarthritic agents

Two long-term studies of chondroprotective agents in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) have been the subject of considerable interest. The studies included large numbers of patients with OA of the hip and of the knee followed for ten and five years. A range of criteria were chosen as parameters for monitoring the progression of disease, and statistical analysis of the results showed that GP-C modified positively the progression of OA. In view of the large number of criteria assessed, and the complexity of the results, it was decided that a reevaluation of the gonarthritis study would be appropriate using a range of indices in the statistical analysis. The statistical re-analysis of data confirmed that long-term treatment with GP-C positively modifies the progression of OA.