Up until now, the treatment of osteoarthritis consisted of anti-inflammatory and pain relieving drugs to control the symptoms, but this therapy was not able to change the progression of the disease. Treatment with glucosamine sulfate has been able to slow disease progression and improve symptoms of the disease.

202 patients with knee osteoarthritis were split into 2 groups, to receive either glucosamine sulfate (1,500mg daily) or a placebo for 3 years. Changes in knee joint space were measured and symptoms were assessed.

Progressive joint space narrowing with patiens in the placebo group was 0.19mm after 3 years. In contrast, there was no average change with patients taking glucosamine sulfate.

Dr Lucio Rovati, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Napoli and co-author of the study says that, nti-inflammatory drugs, including the new cox 2 inhibitors have been associated with adverse events like gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.

With 2 studies published in international peer-reviewed journals, there are no more doubts that the long-term utilization of glucosamine sulfate is able to control long-term symptoms, drastically reduce pain and improve articular functionality, at any age.

Above all, it is the second time that a slower progression is obtained, and over 3 years the disease is even stopped, with no progression of structural joint damage. This is the primary objective of the fight against arthritis, because once the joint is deteriorated, the disease inevitable progresses to invalidity. If we can contain the worsening of structural damage, we should be able to slow or even abolish the progression of disability?

Long-term treatment with glucosamine sulfate delays and can even stop the progression of knee osteoarthritis, and improves symptoms.

1. Factiva / Internet Wire 24/10/02

2. Paveka K et al. Glucosamine sulfate use and delay of progression of knee osteoarthritis. Arch Intern Med. 2002;162:2113-23