A new type of drug could be a game changer for millions of Britons who suffer from chronic knee pain.
The drug, which is given once a month, does not appear to have any of the side effects associated with commonly used painkillers such as ibuprofen.
It blocks a connection that supports nerve cells involved in the transmission of pain, causing them to stop working properly.
More than 600 people with osteoarthritis of the knee are taking part in clinical trials of the UK-developed drug, which researchers hope may also be effective for other chronic pain conditions.
The drug, which is given once a month, does not appear to have any of the side effects associated with commonly used painkillers such as ibuprofen [File photo]
Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones breaks down over time, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint when bone rubs against bone.
The knee is the joint most likely to be affected by osteoarthritis, accounting for just over half of all cases of the condition.
The joint can become red and swollen and deformed, resulting in bowed or bowed legs, as the body looks for less painful areas of the joint to use.
Current treatments aim to reduce symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but carry the risk of stomach ulcers. Links to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke have also been found.
The new treatment, called LEVI-04 and developed by the British company Levicept, is the first in a new class of drugs known as neurotrophin receptor fusion proteins. These work differently to other pain relievers and work on a substance called nerve growth factor (NGF).
Osteoarthritis, or wear-and-tear arthritis, occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of bones breaks down over time, causing pain, swelling and difficulty moving the joint when bone rubs against bone
Ibuprofen blocks the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. NGF plays a key role in the growth and maintenance of the nerve cells that send messages to the brain about physical sensations such as pain and temperature.
Blocking it completely would relieve the pain, but since nerve cells have other functions, such as B. Repair, it would be harmful.
The new drug gets around that by targeting only excess nerve cells, eliminating them and leaving enough for healthy function.
About 620 people are participating in a clinical trial of the drug at centers in Europe and Hong Kong. It will be compared with a placebo and the participants’ pain levels will be measured over 17 weeks.
There is hope that LEVI-04 could delay the need for joint replacement surgery.
Commenting on the new drug, Mike McNicholas, orthopedic surgeon at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “This treatment aims to use one monthly injection to relieve the debilitating pain of knee and hip arthritis and is preferable to patients who have multiple tablets used at the same time. time. different times of the day.
“But nerves also serve to protect the joint from excessive forces and to regulate blood flow. Responsible initiation is required with this approach to treatment.
The results of this study should be treated with caution. Maybe they are up to something – but time will tell.”
Will people with knee osteoarthritis soon get shoes instead of joint replacement surgery?
The Apos shoes look like athletic shoes, but each has two adjustable convex rubber “pods” on the front and back of the sole that are calibrated to change running style. This changes the pressure point in the knee joint and reduces pain.
Last month, a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Committee recommended the shoes for patients with severe osteoarthritis who would otherwise be eligible for knee surgery. A final decision is expected in the spring.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
