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MEDTECH 
A 68-week randomized controlled trial demonstrates that once-weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) significantly reduced both body weight and knee osteoarthritis pain in patients with obesity. The STEP 9 trial, involving 407 participants across 61 sites in 11 countries, showed that semaglutide led to a 13.7% reduction in body weight compared to 3.2% with placebo, while simultaneously achieving meaningful improvements in pain scores and physical function.
Key Points:
- Primary Outcomes: Semaglutide group achieved mean body weight reduction of 13.7% vs 3.2% in placebo group (P<0.001); WOMAC pain scores improved by 41.7 points vs 27.5 points respectively (P<0.001)
- Population Demographics: 81.6% women, mean age 56 years, mean BMI 40.3, mean baseline WOMAC pain score 70.9; 41% had severe obesity (BMI ≥40)
- Functional Improvements: SF-36 physical function scores increased by 12.0 points with semaglutide vs 6.5 points with placebo (P<0.001); 6-minute walk distance improved by 56.8m vs 14.2m respectively
- Pain Management: Reduced use of NSAIDs and acetaminophen in semaglutide group; only 8.5% of semaglutide patients and 9.6% of placebo patients reported opioid use
- Safety Profile: Similar incidence of serious adverse events between groups (10.0% semaglutide vs 8.1% placebo); gastrointestinal disorders were the most common reason for discontinuation (2.2% semaglutide vs 0% placebo)
HCN Medical Memo
This trial establishes semaglutide as an effective intervention for patients with concurrent obesity and knee osteoarthritis, offering clinicians a viable option that addresses both weight management and pain control while potentially reducing reliance on NSAIDs.
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