2016 OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis: Omeract-oarsi ‘strict responders’ analysis from results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study of a novel, intra-articular, injectable, wnt inhibitor (sm04690) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee

61 patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee were included in this study and randomized to undergo treatment with an intra-articular injection of 0.03mg, 0.07mg, or 0.23 mg of a Wnt pathway inhibitor molecule, SM04690, or a placebo. The study was conducted in order to determine if inhibiting this signalling cascade, which plays a role in the formation and breakdown of cartilage, was able to maintain the integrity of cartilage and prevent further degeneration of the joint. Findings indicated improvements in WOMAC pain and function subscales in all treatment groups, however, patients receiving 0.07mg of the intervention molecule reported increased odds of an OMERACT-OARSI strict response in comparison to the placebo group.