In a groundbreaking clinical study published in the “International Journal of Clinical Medicine”, a team led by clinical investigator Ramon Tellez Mendez has unveiled promising findings regarding a new treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain. With a focus on addressing the symptomatic management of the disease, the clinical research compared the analgesic effects and changes in the patient's quality of life with the use of prolonged-release Diclofenac 150 mg once daily (OD) versus the standard treatment of 50 mg thrice daily.

Investigators segregated the participants into two groups:

• First group received the prolonged-release Diclofenac 150 mg OD along with a placebo 3 times daily
• Second group received a placebo OD and the standard 50 mg of active Diclofenac thrice daily

The study lasted for 30 days, during which the researchers monitored pain levels using a visual analogue scale (VAS) on days 0, 2, 3, 4, 15, and 30. To assess the patient's quality of life at 15 and 30 days of the therapies, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale was used.

The results of the study revealed notable pain reduction on days 15 and 30 compared to the starting of the therapies. But, there were no statistically noteworthy differences concerning pain relief among these groups. The assessment of quality of life (WOMAC scale) showed substantial improvements at the designated time points, without any substantial discrepancies between the two therapies.

Regarding the side effects, 6% of the participants reported as having constipation with the use of thrice daily dosing. Gastric discomfort was experienced by 30.3% in the same group compared to 28.1% in the test group (once daily). Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that prolonged-release Diclofenac dosed at 150 mg OD is just as effective as Diclofenac at 50 mg three times daily for pain relief in patients with knee OA.

The study's results provide a ray of hope for those suffering from knee OA, offering a viable alternative for pain relief at a convenient dose that could significantly impact their daily lives. With further research and validation, this new therapeutic approach has the potential to revolutionize the management of OA pain and improve the well-being of millions worldwide.