Orthokine Treatment is Effective for Knee Arthritis, Even After Two Years

Long-Term Clinical Study Confirms Effectiveness of Autologous Therapy

DUSSELDORF, Germany, August 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The results of a two-year
representative study of knee osteoarthritis, published in the internationally
renowned journal "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage", confirm the safety and
effectiveness of Orthokine therapy, in which anti-inflammatory proteins
obtained from the patient's own blood are injected into the arthritic joint.
Researchers at Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf compared three
treatments to determine which one produces the best long-term results for
treatment of knee osteoarthritis. A total of 310 patients received a series
of injections one of Orthokine, hyaluronic acid (a joint lubricant), or a
placebo (table salt solution). Because of the chronic nature of arthritis,
long-term treatment effects are particularly important for sufferers.
Two years after the initial treatment, 188 of the 310 patients were still
experiencing reduced pain and improved function of the affected joint. The
Orthokine group had the fewest patients who went on to seek further
treatment. Patients who received Orthokine treatment had the greatest
improvements in VAS and WOMAC scores. For the WOMAC test in particular, the
outcomes were as follows: Starting from an initial WOMAC score of 124, the
Orthokine group saw a reduction to a score of 58, while the final WOMAC
scores for the other two groups remained well above that at 88 and 84. "This
study shows that Orthokine treatment is a safe alternative to conventional
methods", says study physician Carsten Moser.
"Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" is a respected scientific journal (impact
factor 4.017) that publishes only original, peer-reviewed research into new
methods for the treatment of diseases of the locomotor system.
Further information:

Orthogen AG
Frau Daniele Voss
Graf-Adolf-Str. 41
40210 Dusseldorf
Tel.: +49(0)211-60-255-35
Fax: +49(0)211-38700-10
E-mail: Daniele.voss@orthogen.com

SOURCE Orthogen AG

Further information: Orthogen AG, Frau Daniele Voss, Graf-Adolf-Str. 41, 40210
Dusseldorf, Tel.: +49(0)211-60-255-35, Fax: +49(0)211-38700-10, E-mail:
Daniele.voss@orthogen.com