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Emeritus Research is launching a clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of high strength krill oil in reducing pain in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. This trial will be conducted at the Emeritus Research clinic in Camberwell under the supervision of Professor Stephen Hall and Associate Professor Andrew Ostor. It represents a collaboration between researchers from CSIRO Nutrition and Health and Emeritus Research.
Osteoarthritis in the knee occurs when cartilage in the joint progressively breaks down. Without this protective barrier, the underlying bones of the joint are exposed causing friction when they rub against each other. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness that can limit the range of movement in the joint and overall mobility as the knee joint deteriorates.
With no cure for osteoarthritis currently available, patients are typically prescribed pain medications to help manage their symptoms. However, common adverse effects associated with these types of medications highlight the need for safe and effective alternatives.
Emeritus Research CEO Nicole Bechaz said data showed that krill oil was well-tolerated with minimal adverse reactions reported. Furthermore, research into other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis had demonstrated the potential of krill oil in pain reduction. What is currently missing is research to evaluate the efficacy in osteoarthritis. The aim of this clinical trial is to help determine if krill oil is effective in reducing osteoarthritic knee pain.
“We know that krill oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. While anecdotal evidence suggests that krill oil may be efficacious in treating osteoarthritis symptoms, more research is needed to demonstrate this benefit clinically”.
Associate Professor Ostor said osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative joint disease in Australia with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimating that 9% of the Australian population are affected.
“Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that can worsen over time. It is the cause of considerable pain and disability and can significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected” he said.
“Without a cure, treatment options tend to focus on minimising pain and inflammation and limiting the negative impacts of the disease on the lives of patients and their families”.
Professor Hall confirmed that a proportion of people with osteoarthritis already utilise supplements to manage their symptoms and support their overall health. “In my view, all treatment options whether they be traditional pharmaceutical medications, or supplements like krill oil, warrant rigorous scrutiny. Robust clinical trials are central to this.
“At Emeritus Research, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to research that will empower patients to make informed evidence-based treatment decisions”.
Adults between the ages of 40 and 65 who have pain in one or both knees, may be eligible to take part in this trial. Individuals interested in participating in this clinical trial can contact Emeritus Research on (03) 9509 6166 or via the following link https://www.emeritusresearch.com/contact/
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (03) 9978 9980
Mobile: 0434 031 038
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