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Research article2023Peer reviewedOpen access

A randomized, triple-blinded controlled clinical study with a novel disease-modifying drug combination in equine lameness-associated osteoarthritis

Skiöldebrand, Eva; Adepu, Saritha; Lützelschwab, Claudia; Nyström, S.; Lindahl, A.; Abrahamsson-Aurell, K.; Hansson, E.

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to test a novel treatment combination (TC) (equivalent to sildenafil, mepivacaine, and glucose) with disease-modifying properties compared to Celestone® bifas® (CB) in a randomized triple-blinded phase III clinical study in horses with mild osteoarthritis (OA). Joint biomarkers (reflecting the articular cartilage and subchondral bone remodelling) and clinical lameness were used as readouts to evaluate the treatment efficacy.

Methods
Twenty horses with OA-associated lameness in the carpal joint were included in the study and received either TC (n = 10) or CB (n = 10) drug intra-articularly-twice in the middle carpal joint with an interval of 2 weeks (visit 1 & 2). Clinical lameness was assessed both objectively (Lameness locator) and subjectively (visually). Synovial fluid and serum were sampled for quantification of the extracellular matrix (ECM) neo-epitope joint biomarkers represented by biglycan (BGN262) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP156). Another two weeks later clinical lameness was recorded, and serum was collected for biomarkers analysis. The overall health status was compared pre and post-intervention by interviewing the trainer.

Results
Post-intervention, SF BGN262 levels significantly declined in TC (P = 0.002) and COMP156 levels significantly increased in CB (P = 0.002). The flexion test scores improved in the TC compared to CB (P =0.033) and also had an improved trotting gait quality (P =0.044). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion
This is the first clinical study presenting companion diagnostics assisting in identifying OA phenotype and evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel disease-modifying osteoarthritic drug.

Keywords

Osteoarthritis; DMOAD; Companion diagnostics; Biomarkers; Anaesthetic agents; Sildenafil; Glucose

Published in

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open
2023, Volume: 5, number: 3, article number: 100381