ELMIRON® Study
The development of osteoarthritis has been linked with an imbalance of LDL and HDL lipids in the blood, a metabolic syndrome known as dyslipidemia. Previous studies of intramuscular and intraarticular injections of Pentosan Polysulfate or PPS (commercial name - ELMIRON®) have indicated that this drug could lower blood lipid levels and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The ELMIRON study was a 6-month study conducted by the Rheumatology Department at Royal North Shore Hospital. The aim of the study was to assess if oral administration of PPS would lower blood lipid levels in participants with knee osteoarthritis and if this would lead to improvements in symptoms of knee osteoarthritis such as pain and stiffness.
The ELMIRON study was a open label study (all participants took the active drug) and a total of 38 participants took part. All participants took the recommended dosage approximately twice a week for 5 weeks. The treatment cycle was repeated at week 12, after a 5-week PPS free period.
What we found
There was a significant decrease in average total cholesterol at week 26 and average LDL (Low Density Lipid or “bad” cholesterol) at week 16.
The self-reported pain, stiffness and functional outcomes showed a significant positive improvement at week 6, week 16 and week 26 compared with baseline.
Results showed no serious adverse events related to the study, indicating that PPS is safe to consume. Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and diarrhoea), the most reported adverse events, were previously known, possible and expected.
Participants showed excellent adherence and compliance to the study drug in both intervention dose cycles.
In summary:
Overall, these findings indicate that PPS has promising effects on the improvement of dyslipidemia and symptomatic pain in people with knee osteoarthritis.
The MaRVeL Study is currently being conducted by our research team. The MaRVeL Study is a continuation of the ELMIRON study where we aim to assess the effectiveness of PPS in lowering cholesterol and reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis in people with knee osteoarthritis on a larger scale.
You can read more about the MaRVeL study here.