The 'life-changing' once-a-month jab that offers hope for osteoarthritis sufferers By Roger Dobson Published: 12:14 EDT, 5 August 2024 | Updated: 12:14 EDT, 5 August 2024 e-mail View comments A new once-a-month jab could be a game-changing treatment for chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis , which affects 10 million people in the UK. Results from a trial involving 510 patients with arthritis in the knee show those given the jab experienced a 50 per cent drop in pain levels after four months. They also had none of the side-effects linked to drugs such as ibuprofen and opioids, according to the results to be reported today — but published exclusively in advance in Good Health.
The first-of-a-kind drug — currently called LEVI-04 — works by blocking a compound that supports the nerve cells involved in transmitting pain signals to the brain. Researchers say the drug may also be effective for a wide range of other conditions, from back pain to frozen shoulder and some cancer pain, as well as all joints affected by osteoarthritis. 10 million people in the UK are affected by osteoarthritis, which causes chronic joint pain Osteoarthritis — or wear and tear arthritis — occurs when the protective cartilage on the end of bones breaks down over time, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint as bone rubs against bone.
The knee is the joint most likely to be affected, accounting for just over half of all cases of the condition. Current treatments are aimed at re.