New weight-loss drug wipes out chronic knee pain in some patients, researchers say
An experimental weight-loss drug significantly reduced chronic knee pain and improved mobility in people with obesity and knee osteoarthritis, according to two clinical trials led by researchers at Northwestern University.
Key points
- CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES While earlier research has found that losing 5% to 10% of body weight through diet and exercise can ease knee osteoarthritis symptoms, losing more than 10% through those measures alone can be difficult, particularly when knee pain limits exercise, Schnitzer said.
- A pooled analysis found that roughly two-thirds of those treated with the drug achieved at least a 50% drop in knee pain, compared with 38% of those receiving a placebo.
- Retatrutide, which is not yet FDA-approved, mimics three hormones involved in appetite and metabolism — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon — and has produced substantial weight loss in clinical trials.
While researchers anticipated benefits from the weight reduction, the "complete relief of knee pain" in one of every eight patients taking the drug was a surprise, Schnitzer said.
Additional details
- Beyond pain relief and functional gains, participants experienced reductions in blood pressure, lower blood lipid levels and decreased systemic inflammation, according to the researchers.
- "Before starting pharmacologic treatment for knee pain, people who are overweight should try diet and exercise and consider interventions such as physical therapy," Schnitzer advised.
- KNEE TREATMENT WITHOUT SURGERY OFFERS LASTING PAIN RELIEF FOR 80% OF ARTHRITIS PATIENTS, STUDY FINDS Dr.
- YOUR FAVORITE SNACKS COULD BE QUIETLY WRECKING YOUR KNEES, NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS Conventional treatments include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections, which often offer only limited or temporary relief, according to the researchers.
- "People with knee OA who were not overweight or obese were not studied, and individuals who were obese and had more advanced OA were also excluded, so we have no information on them," he said.
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