'Osmosin': a multi-centre evaluation of a technological advance in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

A multi-centre, double-blind trial was carried out in 272 out-patients with osteoarthritis of the knee(s) to compare the efficacy and tolerability of 'Osmosin', the osmotic release system for indomethacin (7 mg per hour for approximately 10 hours), with that of conventional indomethacin capsules (25 mg 3-times daily) over a period of 12 weeks. The results, as assessed by the subjective and objective clinical variables and laboratory parameters studied, showed that 'Osmosin' provided not only comparable overall therapeutic response but also a preferable tolerability profile to the indomethacin capsule regimen. At completion of the study, 89% of patients treated with 'Osmosin' were being maintained on one dose daily, and 80% of these patients were rated as having a good or excellent response. The results indicate that 'Osmosin' given once daily is a well-tolerated and efficacious therapy for patients with osteoarthritis.