N Engl J Med

Semaglutide eases pain from knee osteoarthritis in people with obesity

November 1, 2024

Once-weekly semaglutide injections significantly reduced body weight and alleviated knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain in individuals with obesity, according to this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Conducted over 68 weeks at 61 sites across 11 countries, the study included individuals with obesity and a clinical and radiologic diagnosis of moderate knee OA with at least moderate pain. Participants were randomized to either semaglutide or placebo, alongside counseling on physical activity and a reduced-calorie diet. Body weight change and pain score as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were primary endpoints; physical function was also measured.

Key findings: The semaglutide group experienced a greater reduction in body weight than the placebo group (13.7% vs. 3.2%; P < 0.001). That group also saw a significantly greater reduction in the WOMAC score compared with the placebo group (-41.7 vs. -27.5; P < 0.001). Greater improvement in physical function scores was seen in the semaglutide group. Adverse events were similar between groups, though GI issues led to higher discontinuation rates in the semaglutide group.

Source:

Bliddal H, et al; STEP 9 Study Group. (2024, October 31). N Engl J Med. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Persons with Obesity and Knee Osteoarthritis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39476339/