Arthritis drug diacerein no help for knee osteoarthritis pain

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-03-03 03:00

Australia; NSW; VIC; SA; WA; TAS

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The arthritis drug, diacerein, does not improve pain levels in people with knee osteoarthritis who have substantial pain and inflammation, according to an Australian study. Diacerein was derived from a compound initially discovered in plants like rhubarb and aloe vera, which are known for their anti-inflammatory qualities. The study of around 250 people found that the drug was no better than placebo, and the authors say the trial does not support the use of diacerein for improving knee pain in these patients. A linked editorial says the trial casts doubt on the likelihood that other drugs that work on the same pathway will be effective treatments for osteoarthritis.

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Research JAMA, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Editorial / Opinion JAMA, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Journal/
conference: JAMA Internal Medicine

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: University of Tasmania, Adelaide University, Monash University, The University of Western Australia, The University of Sydney, Anhui Medical University, China

Funder: The Diacerein for Knee Osteoarthritis (DICKENS) trial was funded by an NHMRC project grant (APP1147370). TRB Chemedica International S.A provided in-kind support (provision of diacerein) during the COVID-19 pandemic when the study was at risk of a budget shortfall.

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