Trial to test arthritis treatment

A NATIONAL clinical trial will be launched today to test the effectiveness of the popular arthritis treatment glucosamine.

Commissioned by the Federal Government, the $450,000 trial will test use of the dietary supplement on 340 Australians with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Glucosamine is believed to help rebuild cartilage, cushion joints, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

However, an Australian consumer study published earlier this year found 70 per cent of glucosamine products did not contain as much of the supplement as claimed on the packaging.

Announcing the nine-month trial today, Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, said it would finally establish the effectiveness of the treatment.

"As yet there is no cure for osteoarthritis, but any treatment that can help relieve the suffering will be welcomed," Ms Bishop said.

"Glucosamine has been used for around 20 years, and there is reasonable evidence that it can help, at least in the short term, particularly with osteoarthritis of the knee."

The trial, funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council, will be conducted by a research team from Sydney University's George Institute for International Health.

It will examine how useful the treatment is in different preparations, for different joints and at different stages of disease severity.

The trial will also look at the economic and long-term value of the supplement, which is created by extracting amino sugars from the tissues of shellfish.

The work will be conducted in general practice surgeries, with a long-term follow-up study planned, Ms Bishop said.

Most of the 1.5 million Australians affected by osteoarthritis are aged over 55.