A multicentre randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding, Phase 2 study (MARS-17) of GSK3858279 in adult participants with moderate to severe pain due to knee osteoarthritis.
This research study, called MARS-17, is exploring a new medicine (GSK3858279) for adults in the UK who experience moderate to severe pain due to knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a common condition where the cartilage in your joints wears down, causing pain and stiffness. The main goal of this study is to find out if this new medicine can help reduce pain more effectively than a placebo (a dummy treatment with no active drug) over 12 weeks. We also want to understand the best dose to use. Participants will be given either the new medicine or the placebo, and their pain levels will be closely monitored. This study is an important step in potentially developing new treatments for knee pain.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you're dealing with ongoing knight pain, making everyday activities tough. This study, called MARS-17, is designed to explore a new potential medication, GSK3858279, for adults just like you who have moderate to severe pain because of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, especially as we get older, where the cushioning in your knee joint (cartilage) gradually wears away. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling, making it hard to walk, climb stairs, or even just stand for periods.
The main aim of this study is to see if this new medicine can help reduce your daily knee pain and make you feel more comfortable over 12 weeks. Researchers will be comparing the new medicine against a 'placebo', which looks exactly like the study medicine but contains no active drug. This helps us understand if any improvements are truly due to the new medicine or other factors. The study will also help determine the most effective and safest dose for this potential new treatment.
Taking part in a study like this is crucial. It helps doctors and scientists understand new ways to treat conditions that affect millions of people. If this new medicine proves helpful, it could one day offer a new option for managing knee osteoarthritis pain, improving the quality of life for many.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new medicine (GSK3858279) for knee osteoarthritis pain.
- Compares the new medicine to a 'dummy' treatment (placebo).
- Aims to find out if the new medicine reduces pain over 12 weeks.
- Involves adults (18+) with moderate to severe knee pain.
- Helps find better treatments for knee osteoarthritis.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for adults aged 18 and over. There is no upper age limit, meaning older adults are welcome to participate if they meet other health requirements.
Both men and women are encouraged to take part in this study. The researchers want to understand how the new medicine works across all patients.
To be considered for this study, you would need to have ongoing knee pain that is moderate to severe and caused by osteoarthritis. A doctor involved with the study would check your medical history and perform some examinations to confirm you meet all the necessary health criteria for the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have ongoing knee pain that is moderate to severe?
- Has your doctor told you that your knee pain is due to osteoarthritis?
- Are you a man or a woman?
- Are you generally in good health, apart from your knee pain?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you might receive the new study medicine (GSK3858279) or a placebo (a dummy medicine without any active drug designed to look the same). You won't know which one you're receiving, and neither will your study doctor, as this is a "double-blind" study. This is a common way to ensure the results are as fair and accurate as possible.
Your participation will involve several visits to the clinic over a period of 12 weeks. During these visits, you'll have various assessments to check your health and how the treatment is affecting you. This will include keeping track of your pain levels using a simple scale (called a Numeric Rating Scale) and regular health check-ups. After the 12 weeks of treatment, there will likely be a follow-up period to monitor your health further. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your involvement will be explained in detail by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- —UnverifiedGermany
- —UnverifiedFrance
- —UnverifiedSpain
Common questions
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a common condition where the cartilage (cushioning) in your joints, like your knee, wears down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
What is a placebo?
A placebo is a 'dummy' treatment that looks just like the real medicine but contains no active drug. It helps researchers understand if the new medicine is genuinely effective.
Will I know if I'm getting the new medicine or the placebo?
No, neither you nor your doctor will know if you're receiving the new medicine or the placebo. This is called a 'double-blind' study and helps ensure fair results.
How long will I be in the study?
The main treatment period is 12 weeks, during which you'll have regular clinic visits. There may be a follow-up period after that, and the full duration will be explained by the study team.
Can I leave the study at any time?
Yes, absolutely. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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