Biarison in the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Diseases: Comparison with Indomethacin and Placebo

Abstract

A 4-week multiclinic double-blind trial was carried out on 216 ambulatory patients with various degenerative joint diseases in order to compare the efficacy and possible side effects of a new non-steroid anti-inflammatory agent, Biarison (900 mg/day), with those of indomethacin (150 mg/day) and placebo. According to most clinical assessments both active drugs were significantly more effective than placebo. No significant differences were found between the effect of Biarison and indomethacin on joint pain and joint movement. There was evidence that Biarison was more effective than indomethacin in patients with acute and severe symptoms. The commonest side-effect in all three treatment groups was gastro-intestinal irritation. With Biarison these symptoms were mostly mild and caused significantly fewer withdrawals from the trial than with indomethacin. In all three treatment groups, CNS disturbances were seldom recorded. They did not require discontinuation of Biarison but were responsible for two withdrawals from indomethacin and one from placebo. Since Biarison combines good efficacy with only mild gastro-intestinal side-effects and excellent CNS tolerance, it may be regarded as a promising therapeutic agent in the management of degenerative joint diseases.