WhichPepsPeptides. Without the hype.
Human evidence record · Semaglutide (injectable)

STEP 9 semaglutide in obesity and knee osteoarthritis

Weight changed -13.7% versus -3.2%; WOMAC pain improved -41.7 versus -27.5 points with placebo.

Quick read
Human evidence record

What this study tells us

Participants were assigned to comparison groups by chance, usually with placebo and/or blinding to reduce bias. This is a strong design for testing cause and effect, but the population, duration and endpoints still limit what can be concluded.

Who was studied?

Adults with obesity and moderate knee osteoarthritis with pain

How many?

n=407

What happened?

Weight changed -13.7% versus -3.2%; WOMAC pain improved -41.7 versus -27.5 points with placebo.

What stops us overclaiming?

Pain improvement occurred alongside substantial weight loss; the study does not prove a direct cartilage-healing effect.

Need help with terms such as randomized, placebo, endpoint or sample size? Open the glossary →

Key result

Weight changed -13.7% versus -3.2%; WOMAC pain improved -41.7 versus -27.5 points with placebo.

Study details

Study designRandomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
PhasePhase III
PopulationAdults with obesity and moderate knee osteoarthritis with pain
Sample size407
RouteSubcutaneous
Regimen / exposureSemaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly after escalation
Duration68 weeks
ComparatorPlacebo
Primary endpoint / questionWeight change and WOMAC knee-pain score
Safety resultSerious adverse-event incidence was similar; permanent discontinuation was 6.7% versus 3.0%, mainly GI-related.
Key limitationsPain improvement occurred alongside substantial weight loss; the study does not prove a direct cartilage-healing effect.
Registry / identifierPMID 39476339
Open Semaglutide (injectable) page →Open primary source →