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

Verified siteRegistered drugNo placebo
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What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This study focuses on patients with knee osteoarthritis, a condition that causes pain and difficulty with movement in the knee joint. The research compares two different types of chondroitin sulfate tablets - one derived from bovine sources and another from marine sources. Both forms of the medication are given as 800 mg tablets taken orally.

The purpose of this research is to determine if the bovine-derived chondroitin sulfate works as effectively as the marine-derived version for treating pain and reduced function caused by knee osteoarthritis. The study examines how well both medications work in reducing knee pain and improving the ability to perform daily activities.

Participants in this study will take the assigned medication for 24 weeks (6 months). During this time, they will need to record their pain levels and ability to perform everyday activities. After the treatment period ends, there will be a 12-week follow-up period to continue monitoring the effects of the medication. Throughout the study, participants may be allowed to take paracetamol as a pain reliever if needed.

The research process

The trial runs in 5 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Initial treatment period start

    You will receive chondroitin sulfate tablets (800 mg) to take daily for 24 weeks (6 months)

    The tablets should be taken by mouth (oral route)

    You will be randomly assigned to receive either marine or bovine source chondroitin sulfate

  2. Step 2

    Week 4 assessment

    Your knee pain will be evaluated using a pain scale from 0 to 10

    Your ability to perform daily activities will be assessed using a special questionnaire

    Your overall quality of life will be evaluated

    Both you and your doctor will provide an assessment of your progress

  3. Step 3

    Week 12 assessment

    Similar evaluations to Week 4 will be performed

    Your use of pain relief medication (paracetamol) will be reviewed

    Your knee function and pain levels will be reassessed

  4. Step 4

    Week 24 (final treatment assessment)

    Final evaluation of your knee pain and function

    Complete assessment of your quality of life

    Review of all medications taken during the study

    Final progress evaluation by you and your doctor

  5. Step 5

    Follow-up period

    Additional 12 weeks of monitoring after treatment ends

    Final assessment of knee pain will be conducted

    Review of any lasting effects from the treatment

Who can join the trial?

11 criteria

  • Must provide written informed consent to participate in the study and agree to personal data processing
  • Must be an outpatient aged 50 years or older, can be male or female
  • Must have knee osteoarthritis diagnosed according to specific medical criteria
  • Must have experienced knee osteoarthritis symptoms (regular pain and limited function) in one or both knees for more than 6 months
  • Must have X-ray evidence of knee osteoarthritis taken within the last 6 months showing moderate severity (if no recent X-ray is available, one will be taken during screening)
  • Must have consistent knee pain scoring between 5 and 9 on a scale of 0-10 (where 0 is no pain and 10 is worst pain) when averaged over 7 days before starting the study
  • Must have limited knee function scoring between 3 and 9 on a scale of 0-10 on a specific arthritis assessment tool
  • Must be able to understand study requirements and be comfortable using electronic devices
  • For women who can become pregnant:
    • Must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Must have a negative pregnancy test at screening
    • Must use effective birth control throughout the study (such as hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine device, or barrier methods)

Who cannot join the trial?

15 criteria

  • Age below 18 years or above 75 years
  • History of allergic reactions to chondroitin sulfate (a natural compound found in cartilage)
  • Previous knee surgery within the last 6 months
  • Current participation in other clinical trials
  • Severe kidney or liver disease
  • Inflammatory joint diseases other than osteoarthritis
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Recent injury to the knee joint (within last 3 months)
  • Use of corticosteroid injections in the knee within the last 3 months
  • Severe mental health conditions that could affect participation
  • Blood clotting disorders or current use of blood thinners
  • Active cancer or cancer treatment
  • Severe obesity that significantly impacts knee function
  • Inability to follow study procedures or attend scheduled visits
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Investigated drugs

  • Bovine Chondroitin Sulfate

    This is a supplement derived from cow cartilage that helps reduce joint pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. It works by helping to maintain the structure and function of cartilage in the knee joint.

  • Marine Chondroitin Sulfate

    This is a supplement extracted from marine sources (like fish cartilage) that also helps reduce joint pain and improve movement in people with knee osteoarthritis. Like its bovine counterpart, it supports cartilage health and joint function.

  • Placebo

    A placebo tablet that contains no active ingredients is used as a control in this study to compare the effectiveness of both types of chondroitin sulfate.

What is already known about the treatment

  • Bovine Chondroitin Sulfate

    An oral medication administered in 800mg tablet form, derived from bovine sources, used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This naturally occurring compound works by reducing inflammation and providing building blocks for cartilage repair in joint tissues, helping to relieve moderate to severe knee pain and improve joint function. The substance belongs to the class of glycosaminoglycans and is widely recognized in medical literature as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis.

  • Marine Chondroitin Sulfate

    A tablet medication (800mg) extracted from marine sources, primarily used in treating knee osteoarthritis with moderate to severe pain. Similar to its bovine counterpart, this compound works by providing anti-inflammatory effects and supporting cartilage structure, helping to reduce joint pain and improve mobility. As a glycosaminoglycan, it acts as a slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis management and has been extensively studied in clinical trials for its therapeutic benefits.

Investigated diseases

Knee Osteoarthritis - A degenerative joint disease that affects the knee, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. The condition develops gradually as the protective cartilage wears down over time, leading to changes in the underlying bone. It causes joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and typically results in pain that worsens with activity. The affected knee may become swollen, develop bone spurs, and lose its normal range of motion. People with knee osteoarthritis often experience difficulty with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position.
Trial detailsLast updated 2 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2024-516337-12-00Protocol code23EU-Ct11Estimated enrolment520 patientsSponsorIBSA Institut Biochimique SA

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

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