Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : AI / Gay Globe)
For several months, a new development has been drawing attention: the well-known drug Ozempic, previously prescribed for diabetes and obesity, may also have an effect on osteoarthritis, a common and painful condition that disrupts the daily lives of many people. But what do we really know about this unexpected potential?
Osteoarthritis vs Arthritis: Understanding the Difference
Osteoarthritis and arthritis are often confused, but they are two distinct joint diseases. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage gradually wears down. Over time, bones may rub directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and is generally associated with age, overweight, mechanical wear, or repeated trauma.
Arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammation of the joints. It can have various causes: autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), infections, or reactions to certain crystals (as in gout). It mainly causes pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints and can affect multiple joints simultaneously, sometimes symmetrically.
Why Ozempic Is Gaining Attention for Osteoarthritis
Ozempic is starting to make headlines in the world of osteoarthritis—and for good reason. This drug, best known for treating diabetes and obesity, appears to offer promising avenues for people affected by this joint condition. The first and perhaps most tangible factor is the weight loss it induces.
Every extra kilogram puts additional strain on the joints, especially the knees and hips. By reducing this weight, Ozempic lightens the mechanical load, which often results in less pain, improved mobility, and reduced reliance on anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers.
But research doesn’t stop there. Exploratory studies suggest that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, may have direct biological effects on the joints. It could help protect cartilage, limit local inflammation, and support the health of joint cells. These observations are still preliminary, but they open a new and promising perspective.
How Ozempic Might Reduce Inflammation
The mechanism remains largely theoretical, but several pathways are being studied. Semaglutide belongs to the class of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists, and it acts on several levels:
- Systemic inflammation reduction: GLP-1 decreases the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could reduce inflammation in the joints.
- Effects on adipose tissue: By promoting the loss of body fat, Ozempic indirectly reduces pro-inflammatory substances produced by fat, easing stress on the joints.
- Cartilage protection: Experimental studies suggest that semaglutide may act on chondrocytes, reducing oxidative stress and local inflammation, thereby slowing cartilage degradation.
- General metabolic effects: GLP-1 improves insulin sensitivity and overall metabolism, helping reduce inflammatory markers and indirectly protecting the joints.
Of course, research continues, and each new study on Ozempic seems to reveal an unexpected facet of this multi-talented drug.
Ozempic Studied in the Context of HIV
Ozempic is also being studied in people living with HIV, but not to treat the virus itself. Researchers are interested in its effects on metabolic complications and inflammation, which are common despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
Clinical trials, including a phase IIb pilot study, have evaluated the use of semaglutide in patients living with HIV who also have metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). In this study, a weekly injection was safe and associated with a significant reduction in liver fat, weight loss, and improvements in metabolic markers.
Other studies are also exploring its effects on inflammation and cognition, linked to changes in body composition and inflammatory markers. A recent randomized study suggested that semaglutide could improve certain cognitive functions, possibly through its anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
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