Positive Results for Chondroitin Sulfate and the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
The latest information released on chondroitin sulfate: Mechanisms of action and clinical response in osteoarthritis were revealed at a CME Symposium following the ACR Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego on November 17, 2005.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) November 18, 2005 - The highly anticipated symposium finally brought some clarification to a week of controversy at the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) Annual Scientific Meeting. Dr. Clegg, lead researcher of the NIH (GAIT) Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, presented further data that had not previously been presented, as well as additional information on the positive effects of chondroitin sulfate.
Dr. Clegg explained that the study was designed to look at the action of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine as drugs and not as dietary supplements. Chondroitin and glucosamine were required to meet pharmaceutical standards as the GAIT study was conducted under an Investigational New Drug application. Specific analytical methods were developed to do this.
New data that was presented by Dr.Clegg using the Omeract OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) response criteria for the total patient population indicated that the response for the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin was significantly higher than placebo. He commented that the data did have something going on."
In Dr. Cleggs previous presentation, when using WOMAC response criteria, the result was that, in the overall population, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine did not outperform the positive control celecoxib, or were not significantly better than placebo. There were, however, promising signals in various sub-groups.
In an exploratory analysis with patients that had moderate to high pain, the chondroitin/glucosamine combination showed a 79.2% response versus celecoxib at 69.4% and placebo at 54.3%. Dr. Clegg commented that the combination appears to be more effective than placebo and outcome measures seem more robust."
In more detailed analyzing results of chrondroitin sulfate, it was found that in the overall population there was a significant improvement for patients experiencing joint swelling.
Dr. Clegg concluded that chondroitin sulfate was risk-free and that further trials should be developed to explore the positive signals seen in the GAIT study.
Further, to the anti-inflammatory and pain data from the GAIT study, Beat A. Michel, MD, followed with a presentation on the disease-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate and its ability to control the progression of osteoarthritis. Dr. Michel presented data on the structure-modifying effects of chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis, the results of which were recently published in Arthritis Rheumatology 2005. The study concluded that chondroitin sulfate qualifies as a Disease Modifying Drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis and is especially active in overweight patients, patients under 60 years of age and patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. In all of the studys groups, chondroitin sulfate proved statistically superior to placebo.
The conclusion of the symposium, as summed up by the moderator and course director Roland W. Moskowitz, MD, was that for physicians treating patients with osteoarthritis, Its good to have multiple agents to use with patients." Stressing the need for continued research Dr. Moskowitz also commented that it is not a case of choosing a dietary supplement over a drug, but rather finding the best treatment options for a patient, which may be a combination of treatments.
CSbBio-Active from Bioiberica was the only chondroitin sulfate selected for the GAIT study and is one of the most widely researched brands of chondroitin sulfate on the market. Bioiberica has become a recognized leader in joint health. Established in 1975, the company has pioneered advancements in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements that has led to the development of a global business in over 40 countries around the world. Dedicated to research, Bioiberica has established itself as one of the most prestigious names in the industry for top quality raw materials that are backed by science.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with a company spokesperson or a member of the medical advisory panel, please contact Leesa Raab at ADinfinitum, 212 693 2150 Ext. 309.
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