Zaltoprofen, a noninferior alternative to diclofenac for the treatment of primary knee osteoarthritis -- a comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety in a 4-week, multicentric, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial

This study evaluated whether zaltoprofen was as a noninferior alternative (in regards to safety and efficacy) to diclofenac for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). 213 patients were randomized to either zaltoprofen (80 mg t.i.d.) or diclofenac (50 mg t.i.d.) and were assessed after 4 weeks. Results indicated that both groups experienced significant (but comparable) improvement in pain intensity, functional status, and pain relief when compared to baseline values. Moreover, no serious adverse events were observed with either medication.