OE Journal

ORIGINAL ANALYSIS

Tanezumab Versus NSAIDs in the Treatment of Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

RCT evidence was evaluated comparing tanezumab with standard oral NSAIDs for hip and knee osteoarthritis. Across four RCT cohorts, both 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses showed some early improvements in pain, function, and patient global assessment, but benefits at 16 weeks were either absent (2.5 mg) or small and likely not clinically meaningful (5 mg). Safety findings were more concerning. Even at the lower dose, tanezumab increased the risk of rapidly progressive OA, and the 5 mg dose further raised rates of adverse events and abnormal peripheral sensations. Given the modest efficacy and clear safety risks, current evidence does not support tanezumab as a safer or more effective alternative to NSAIDs.