Ongoing Clinical Trials for Osteoarthritis

This article provides information about 46 ongoing clinical trials studying various treatments for osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. These trials are exploring different medications, injections, and therapies designed to reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis affecting the knees, hips, hands, and other joints. Studies are being conducted across multiple European countries including Poland, France, Spain, Denmark, Germany, and many others.

Clinical trial locations

Comparison of bovine and marine chondroitin sulfate tablets (800 mg) in treating knee osteoarthritis pain and functional impairment

This study is examining two different sources of chondroitin sulfate—one from cattle and one from marine sources—to determine if they work equally well for treating pain and reduced function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Participants must be at least 50 years old and have experienced hand pain, aching, or stiffness on most days during the past 4 weeks, with additional symptoms such as hard tissue enlargement in at least 2 of 10 selected finger joints.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must have finger joint pain rated between 5 and 9 on a 0-10 pain scale when averaged over 7 days before starting the study. They must also have a diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis confirmed by a doctor, with X-ray evidence showing moderate severity in the knee joint. The study requires participants to take 800 mg tablets daily for 24 weeks.

Main exclusion criteria: People who have had recent knee surgery within the last 6 months, those with severe kidney or liver disease, inflammatory joint diseases other than osteoarthritis, pregnancy or breastfeeding, uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent knee injury within the last 3 months, use of corticosteroid injections in the knee within the last 3 months, severe mental health conditions, blood clotting disorders or current use of blood thinners, active cancer or cancer treatment, severe obesity that significantly impacts knee function, and inability to follow study procedures are not eligible.

Treatment focus: The trial tests whether bovine-derived chondroitin sulfate works as effectively as marine-derived chondroitin sulfate for reducing knee pain and improving daily function. The treatment period lasts 24 weeks, followed by a 12-week follow-up period. Throughout the study, participants record their pain levels and ability to perform everyday activities.

Investigational drugs: Bovine Chondroitin Sulfate (derived from cow cartilage) and Marine Chondroitin Sulfate (extracted from fish cartilage) are both being tested. Both supplements help reduce joint pain and improve movement by supporting cartilage health and joint function. A placebo containing no active ingredients is also used as a control.

Study of Autologous Microfat and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Compared to Wrist Denervation in Patients with Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis

This French study compares a new injection treatment combining a person’s own processed fat tissue and platelet-rich plasma to a standard surgical procedure that involves cutting specific nerves to reduce wrist pain. The research focuses on radiocarpal osteoarthritis, which affects the joint where forearm bones meet the small bones of the wrist.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be between 40 and 85 years old and have osteoarthritis in the wrist joint confirmed by X-rays or ultrasound showing inflammation with a grey scale synovitis grade of 1-3. They must experience pain in the wrist at a level of at least 3 on a 0-10 scale both at rest and during activities at pre-screening and screening visits, and must have tried at least 6 months of conservative treatment without success.

Main exclusion criteria: People who have had wrist surgery in the past 6 months, those with an infection in the affected joint, patients who received corticosteroid injections in the affected joint within the last 3 months, those with known allergies to corticosteroids, patients with a history of severe allergic reactions, those currently participating in another clinical trial, patients with conditions that would interfere with study results or patient safety, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with uncontrolled diabetes or other uncontrolled medical conditions cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The injection mixture contains 2 milliliters of processed fat tissue and 2 milliliters of concentrated platelets, both taken from the patient’s own body, injected directly into the affected wrist joint. The effects are monitored for six months with special attention to pain reduction.

Investigational drugs: Autologous Microfat with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) uses fat tissue and platelets from the patient’s own body. The fat is processed into tiny particles and combined with concentrated platelets before being injected into the wrist joint to reduce pain and inflammation.

Study of Diclofenac compared to Placebo for Pain Relief in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

This Danish study evaluates how a special communication approach affects the way patients report their knee pain during treatment with diclofenac, a pain-relieving medication. The research examines whether the communication method influences patient-reported outcomes in knee osteoarthritis.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be between 40 and 85 years old, have a Body Mass Index less than 45 kg/m², have experienced knee pain on most days for at least 3 months before screening, score at least 40 out of 100 on the KOOS pain questionnaire at both screening and baseline visits, and have X-ray evidence of knee arthritis with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of 2 or higher in at least one knee joint.

Main exclusion criteria: People with a history of previous knee surgery or joint replacement in the affected knee, those with other types of arthritis besides osteoarthritis, those currently participating in other clinical trials, people who have used strong pain medications in the past 3 months, those with severe mental health conditions, pregnancy or planning to become pregnant, severe knee injury or trauma within the past 6 months, presence of other medical conditions that could affect knee pain assessment, history of substance abuse or dependency, fibromyalgia or other chronic pain conditions, inability to follow study instructions or complete questionnaires independently, current infection or inflammation in the knee joint, use of knee injections within the past 3 months, planned knee surgery during the study period, and severe obesity that significantly impacts knee function are not eligible.

Treatment focus: The study lasts for 5 weeks, during which participants take diclofenac tablets or placebo tablets daily. Researchers track changes in knee pain and physical function using various measurements including walking ability.

Investigational drug: Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and swelling. It can be taken orally or applied directly to the skin over the painful joint.

Study of intra-articular liraglutide (4P004) for patients with knee synovitis and osteoarthritis

This international study (conducted in Spain, Denmark, France, and Poland) tests a medication called 4P-004, which contains liraglutide, given through injection directly into the knee joint for patients with knee synovitis and osteoarthritis.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be between 40 and 80 years old, weigh more than 40 kilograms, have a body mass index between 18.5 and 35, be able to walk independently or with a cane, have experienced knee pain from osteoarthritis for at least 6 months, and have synovitis in the knee confirmed by MRI. Both men and women can participate.

Main exclusion criteria: People who have had previous knee surgery or joint replacement in the target knee, those with other types of arthritis besides osteoarthritis, those who received recent corticosteroid injections in the target knee within the past 3 months, active infection in the knee joint, severe obesity with BMI greater than 40, autoimmune disorders, current participation in other clinical trials, pregnancy or breastfeeding, severe heart/liver/kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, history of blood clotting disorders, active cancer or cancer treatment within the past 5 years, severe mental health conditions, use of blood-thinning medications, and known allergies to study medication components cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study monitors participants over several weeks with regular follow-up visits to measure pain relief as measured by the WOMAC Pain score at 4 weeks after treatment. The medication is administered as an injection solution with a maximum daily dose of 2 milligrams.

Investigational drug: 4P004 is an experimental medication administered directly into the knee joint through intra-articular injection. It is being studied for treating knee synovitis and osteoarthritis, with effects evaluated particularly at 4 weeks after treatment.

Study on Capsaicin for Finger Pain in Digital Osteoarthritis Patients

This French study examines the effects of Qutenza, a patch containing capsaicin (a substance known for pain-relieving properties), applied directly to the skin over the affected finger area. The study compares a high-dose capsaicin patch (8%) to a low-dose capsaicin patch (0.04%) in reducing finger pain.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be at least 18 years old, have a pain intensity of at least 30 on a self-administered 11-point pain scale, have pain located at the base of the thumb with X-ray evidence of trapezometacarpial osteoarthritis showing at least two signs (bone spurs, joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis, or subchondral cysts), meet the 1990 ACR classification criteria adapted for trapezometacarpial osteoarthritis, be affiliated with social security, and for women of childbearing potential, have a negative pregnancy test.

Main exclusion criteria: People under 18 years old, those without painful base-of-thumb osteoarthritis, those unable to receive injections in the thumb area, patients with allergies to capsaicin or normal saline, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those considered part of vulnerable populations, those currently participating in another clinical trial, and patients with any other medical condition that might interfere with the study or put them at risk cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The treatment involves applying a capsaicin patch to the skin for eight weeks to see if the higher dose provides better pain relief compared to the lower dose. Pain is measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Investigational drug: Capsaicin 8% is applied to the skin and works by affecting nerves that send pain signals, potentially providing relief from pain associated with digital osteoarthritis. A low dose (0.04%) is used as a control for comparison.

Study on Colchicine for Patients with Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis

This Dutch study examines whether Colchicine can reduce the need for knee or hip replacement surgery in people with osteoarthritis. Colchicine is a medication commonly used to treat gout but is being tested for a new purpose in this trial.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must have a clinical diagnosis of knee or hip osteoarthritis, be between 45 and 80 years old, and have documented radiographic changes typical for advanced knee or hip osteoarthritis with a Kellgren & Lawrence score of 2 or higher. If radiographic changes are not present, participants should have at least a 2-year history of complaints due to osteoarthritis in the hip and/or knee. Both men and women can participate.

Main exclusion criteria: People with known allergy or sensitivity to colchicine or its ingredients, those currently taking medications that interact negatively with colchicine, patients with severe liver or kidney disease, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals who have participated in another clinical trial within the last 30 days, patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, and anyone with a serious medical condition that could interfere with the study or pose a risk to the patient are excluded.

Treatment focus: Participants take colchicine tablets (0.5 mg per day) orally once daily. The study monitors for the time from randomization to the first incident of knee or hip replacement, with secondary endpoints including various health and quality of life measures over the trial period.

Investigational drug: Colchicine is tested to see if it can reduce the need for knee or hip replacements in patients with osteoarthritis by decreasing inflammation and altering immune responses.

Study on Metformin for Pain Relief in Patients with Hand Osteoarthritis

This Danish study explores whether Metformin, a medication commonly used to treat diabetes, can reduce pain in hand osteoarthritis. The research compares Metformin with a placebo over 16 weeks.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of hand osteoarthritis confirmed by a doctor at the start of the study, meet the American College of Rheumatology criteria for hand osteoarthritis (including hand pain, aching, or stiffness on most days in the past 4 weeks, and at least 3 additional features such as hard tissue enlargement or joint deformity), have an average finger pain score of 4 or higher on a 0-10 scale over the past 30 days, and be metformin naive (never taken metformin before).

Main exclusion criteria: People not experiencing pain in their finger joints, those not diagnosed with osteoarthritis, people not within the specified age range, and those who are part of a vulnerable population cannot participate.

Treatment focus: Participants take metformin tablets (500 mg film-coated tablets) orally for 16 weeks. The main objective is to assess changes in finger joint pain after 16 weeks of treatment.

Investigational drug: Metformin is typically used for type 2 diabetes but is being explored for its potential benefits in treating erosive hand osteoarthritis, particularly in reducing finger joint pain. It works by decreasing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity, which may have anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for joint health.

Study on Painful Thumb Osteoarthritis: Comparing Triamcinolone Acetonide, Sodium Chloride, and Occupational Therapy for Patients with Inflammatory Thumb Joint Pain

This Norwegian study explores the effectiveness of different treatments for osteoarthritis in the base joint of the thumb. The study compares an injection of Kenacort-T (containing triamcinolone acetonide) and a saline solution with occupational therapy.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be men and women between 40-85 years of age, have osteoarthritis in the target CMC-1 joint confirmed by X-rays or ultrasound, have inflammation in the target CMC-1 joint confirmed by ultrasound showing a grey scale synovitis grade of 1-3, experience pain in the target CMC-1 joint with a score of at least 3 on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale at rest or during activities at both pre-screening and screening, and be assessed as eligible for the proposed use of Kenacort-T.

Main exclusion criteria: People who have had surgery on the affected joint in the past 6 months, those with an infection in the affected joint, patients who received a corticosteroid injection in the affected joint within the last 3 months, those with a known allergy to corticosteroids or any component of the injection, patients with a history of severe allergic reactions, those currently participating in another clinical trial, patients with conditions that would interfere with study results or patient safety, pregnant or breastfeeding women, patients with uncontrolled diabetes or other uncontrolled medical conditions, and patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse in the past year are excluded.

Treatment focus: The study monitors changes in thumb base joint pain during activities over the last 24 hours at 4 weeks and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in pain in finger joints, grip strength, use of pain relief medications, and patient satisfaction assessed at multiple time points.

Investigational drugs: Corticosteroid Injections (triamcinolone acetonide) are used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joint through direct injection. Saline Injections serve as a comparison treatment. Occupational Therapy Intervention involves techniques and exercises to improve hand function and reduce pain.

Study on Shortened Anticoagulation with Rivaroxaban for Blood Clot Prevention in Patients Undergoing Hip Replacement Surgery

This study (conducted in Germany and Austria) examines whether a shorter treatment period of 10 days with Rivaroxaban, a blood thinner, is as effective as the usual 35-day treatment in preventing blood clots after hip replacement surgery.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must provide written informed consent, be between 18 and 85 years old, be scheduled for primary unilateral primary hip arthroplasty and be eligible for the ERAS protocol, have a Timed Up and Go test score of less than 20 seconds (showing good mobility before surgery), be able to understand and follow study requirements including knowledge of the German language and ability to swallow capsules whole, and if female, have a negative serum pregnancy test and use highly effective birth control during the study treatment.

Main exclusion criteria: People with severe knee injuries affecting their ability to walk, those with other types of arthritis affecting the knee, those currently participating in another clinical trial, people with a history of allergic reactions to the study medication, pregnant or planning to become pregnant women, those with uncontrolled medical conditions, people unable to follow study procedures or attend study visits, and those with a history of drug or alcohol abuse cannot participate.

Treatment focus: Participants receive Rivaroxaban in hard gelatin capsules orally for 10 days to prevent blood clots. The study monitors for symptoms of venous thromboembolism for 90 days after joining, with regular assessments of mobility, quality of life, and any adverse events.

Investigational drug: Direct Oral Anticoagulant (DOAC) prevents blood clots by directly inhibiting specific clotting factors in the blood, helping to prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after surgery.

Study on the Effect of Genicular Arteries Embolization with Ioversol and Ethyl Esters of Iodised Fatty Acids in Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

This French study tests Genicular Arteries Embolization (GAE), a procedure that uses a special mixture of substances including ioversol and ethyl esters of iodised fatty acids from poppyseed oil to reduce blood flow to certain areas of the knee in hopes of reducing pain.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be aged between 40 and 90 years old, have had a previous injection directly into the knee joint, have been diagnosed with primary Knee Osteoarthritis according to specific guidelines, have a Kellgren and Lawrence score of 2 or higher (measuring osteoarthritis severity using X-rays), experience knee pain with a VAS pain score of 40 mm or more on a scale from 0 to 100 mm, not be eligible for knee surgery, have social security affiliation, sign a form agreeing to participate, and understand the French language well. If a woman of childbearing potential, must have a negative beta-HCG test before starting.

Main exclusion criteria: People who do not have knee osteoarthritis, those not within the specified age range, and those who are part of a vulnerable population cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The study assesses the effectiveness of GAE in reducing knee pain over three months compared to a sham procedure. Follow-up assessments occur at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, including changes in the VAS pain score, WOMAC, KOOS, and other health evaluations.

Investigational drug: Ethiodized Oil-Based Emulsion is used in the GAE procedure to block targeted blood vessels in the knee, which may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Study on the Effects of Clodronate Disodium for Patients with Painful Knee Osteoarthritis

This Italian study evaluates different doses of disodium clodronate, given as a solution for injection directly into the knee joint, to determine the lowest effective dose that reduces knee pain by at least 10 millimeters on a pain scale by the seventh week.

Main inclusion criteria: Participants must be female or male patients aged between 50 and 75 years, have a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis confirmed by an X-ray taken within the last three months showing a Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic score of 2 or 3, have had knee pain for at least six months with pain levels between 40 and 80 on a Visual Analogue Scale at the screening visit (confirmed at the start of the study), and have signed an informed consent form after detailed discussion with investigators.

Main exclusion criteria: People not experiencing knee osteoarthritis, those not within the specified age range, those not participating in a walking rehabilitation program, and those who are part of vulnerable populations cannot participate.

Treatment focus: The treatment involves intra-articular injection of disodium clodronate or placebo via injection. Participants have weekly follow-up visits to monitor pain levels and any side effects, with the primary endpoint assessed at week 7.

Investigational drug: Clodronate is being tested for its effectiveness and safety in treating knee osteoarthritis. It is administered directly into the joint to help reduce pain and improve joint function, working by inhibiting bone resorption, thereby potentially reducing inflammation and pain.

Summary

This collection of 46 ongoing clinical trials demonstrates the extensive global research effort dedicated to finding effective treatments for osteoarthritis. The trials span multiple European countries, with particularly strong representation in Denmark, Poland, France, Spain, and Germany, reflecting the international nature of osteoarthritis research.

The studies cover a wide range of treatment approaches, from traditional medications like diclofenac and metformin to innovative therapies such as stem cell injections, gene therapies, and regenerative medicine approaches. Several trials focus specifically on knee osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of the condition, though studies also address hip, hand, thumb, wrist, and temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

Notable trends include a significant focus on injectable treatments delivered directly into affected joints, as well as investigations into repurposing existing medications for osteoarthritis treatment. Multiple trials are exploring biological therapies using the patient’s own cells or tissues, representing a potentially promising direction in osteoarthritis treatment.

The trials vary in their primary goals, with some assessing pain relief as the main outcome while others focus on structural improvements in joints, quality of life improvements, or reducing the need for surgical interventions like joint replacement. Many studies employ sophisticated imaging techniques such as MRI to evaluate changes in joint structure over time.

These ongoing trials offer hope for people living with osteoarthritis by exploring numerous treatment options that may provide better pain management, improved function, and enhanced quality of life. Patients interested in participating in clinical trials should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if they meet eligibility criteria for any of these studies.

#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Osteoarthritis – Trials in Disease

Ongoing Clinical Trials for Osteoarthritis

Clinical trial locations

Comparison of bovine and marine chondroitin sulfate tablets (800 mg) in treating knee osteoarthritis pain and functional impairment

Study of Autologous Microfat and Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Compared to Wrist Denervation in Patients with Radiocarpal Osteoarthritis

Study of Diclofenac compared to Placebo for Pain Relief in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis

Study of intra-articular liraglutide (4P004) for patients with knee synovitis and osteoarthritis

Study on Capsaicin for Finger Pain in Digital Osteoarthritis Patients

Study on Colchicine for Patients with Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis

Study on Metformin for Pain Relief in Patients with Hand Osteoarthritis

Study on Painful Thumb Osteoarthritis: Comparing Triamcinolone Acetonide, Sodium Chloride, and Occupational Therapy for Patients with Inflammatory Thumb Joint Pain

Study on Shortened Anticoagulation with Rivaroxaban for Blood Clot Prevention in Patients Undergoing Hip Replacement Surgery

Study on the Effect of Genicular Arteries Embolization with Ioversol and Ethyl Esters of Iodised Fatty Acids in Patients with Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis

Study on the Effects of Clodronate Disodium for Patients with Painful Knee Osteoarthritis

Summary

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Osteoarthritis

Study on Painful Thumb Osteoarthritis: Comparing Triamcinolone Acetonide, Sodium Chloride, and Occupational Therapy for Patients with Inflammatory Thumb Joint Pain

Metformin hydrochloride plus drug combination to reduce pain, inflammation and biological aging in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Study on the Use of Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction for Patients with Advanced Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis

Study of Retatrutide (LY3437943) for Patients with Obesity or Overweight and Knee Osteoarthritis

Study on the Effects of Retatrutide for Patients with Obesity, Overweight, or Knee Osteoarthritis

Study on Montelukast for Pain Relief in Patients with Erosive Hand Osteoarthritis

Study on Spinal vs. General Anaesthesia with Ropivacaine Hydrochloride for Osteoarthritis Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Replacement

Study on GSK3858279 for Adults with Moderate to Severe Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

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Osteoarthritis – Trials in Disease

Ongoing Clinical Trials for Osteoarthritis

Clinical trial locations

Summary

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Osteoarthritis

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