Clinical Researchers must Combine Forces on Osteoarthritis Treatments, says Dr. Hanid Audish

The debilitating effects of osteoarthritis are far from fair. Those suffering with cartilage issues will experience varying levels of pain and decreased mobility. It’s a condition that typically takes hold over time and the general “wear and tear” of daily life can be enough to trigger the problem. Dr. Hanid Audish, director and principal investigator with a California-based medical research firm, is currently conducting a study into osteoarthritis of the knee. In short, an injection is being administered into the knees of 500 subjects participating in the study. The goal, according to Dr. Audish, is to stop inflammation in the knee over a six-month period. Dr. Audish has long worked in the sector of medical studies and clinical research; his knowledge here will prove invaluable as work to address osteoarthritis-related issues continues.

According to ClinicalTrials.gov, patients with knee pain are being administered two doses of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP) and/or TLC599. Their progress will be tracked over the course of one year and compared to other participants in the double-blind randomized study who were given a placebo shot of saline solution. TLC599 is known for its lipid formulation properties, while DSP “is a glucocorticoid widely used in the treatment of joint pain such as gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis via IA injection.” Primary and secondary outcome measures are changes in baseline pain at weeks 16 and 52, respectively. The study, which began in November 2019, is currently in phase 3 with a projected completion date of December 2021.

Dr. Hanid Audish recognizes osteoarthritis as a serious medical malady and is proud to be involve in research to better understand future treatments. On one hand, he understands the headlines surrounding simple supposed pain cures like turmeric. On the other hand, the efficacy of this basic form of treatment has yet to prove itself. Regardless, people suffering from a painful condition need a reason to carry on and a recent article from VeryWellHealth.com claims “taking 1,000 mg of turmeric daily for 12 weeks may provide relief.” The conclusion, according to the study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, is that 36 of the 70 participants “reported better pain outcomes than the 34 people who took a placebo.” Dr. Audish recognizes work like this as a valuable contribution toward a better understanding of osteoarthritis. However, the fact that no changes to swelling or cartilage composition were noted means there is still work to be done. It’s a joint effort, he says, and one that requires contributions from clinical researchers across the globe – including those involved in the study he is currently working on.