Ozempic and Wegovy Ease Knee Osteoarthritis Pain in Large Study

The blockbuster drug semaglutide, sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wigoby for weight loss, has new proven benefits. A large study shows that it significantly relieves knee pain in people who are obese and have moderate to severe osteoarthritis.

The effects were so pronounced that some arthritis experts not involved in the clinical trial were surprised.

“The magnitude of the improvement is beyond anything we’ve seen with any drug before,” said Dr. Bob Carter, deputy director of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. “Their knee pain has reduced by almost 50 percent. That’s huge.”

Dr. David T. Felson, an arthritis expert and professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, said the study is “game-changing,” adding that the pain relief is greater than what can be achieved outside of knee replacement surgery.

of result It was published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Knee osteoarthritis affects approximately the following: 1 in 5 people Americans over 45 years old. Obese people are especially likely to develop the condition because weight puts more stress on the knees, and obesity causes inflammation and deterioration of cartilage.

There is no good treatment. Doctors may recommend that patients take over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, long-term use of these drugs damage vital organs.