Clinical Trials

We investigate new products (drugs, nutraceuticals, etc.) and medical technologies through clinical trials with patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

Despite the high prevalence of this disease, the therapeutic options available are few and most address drug treatment from a symptomatic point of view only, for example, through the administration of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whose chronic use in elderly people it entails important cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hepatic and renal side effects.

If you would like to participate in a clinical trial, please fill out this form so that we can contact you:

At OAFI we have collaborated in the following clinical trials:

Women show a positive response to platelet-rich plasma despite presenting more painful knee osteoarthritis than men

This study, conducted jointly with Dr Mikel Sánchez’s Arthroscopic Surgery Unit, showed that women with knee osteoarthritis experience more initial pain than men, but respond better to treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). At 6 months, 59.6% of women showed significant improvement compared to 50.9% of men, achieving similar results. This suggests that PRP is effective in women, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in treatment.

Ref: M. Sanchez et al. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2024 Oct;32(10):2516-2525.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of treatment with an SPMs-enriched oil on chronic pain and inflammation, functionality, and quality of life in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: GAUDI study

The GAUDI study evaluated the effect of specialised pro-resolution mediators (SPMs), derived from omega-3 fatty acids, in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, an oral supplement of SPMs or placebo was administered for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in pain in patients treated with SPMs, as well as an improvement in intermittent pain and quality of life, especially in daily activities, mobility, and emotional well-being. No serious adverse events or need for additional medication were reported. In conclusion, SPM supplementation proved to be safe and effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life.

Ref: Möller et al. Journal of Translational Medicine (2023) 21:423

“The OAFI Foundation was born to give a voice to the millions of people who suffer from a disease as devastating as osteoarthritis. With an innovative, creative and action mentality, at OAFI we have pioneering projects for treatment and research. Our motto is: WE MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!”

Dr. Josep Vergés
“The patient is the raison d'être of the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI) and is the engine that drives us to work and move forward. Being an OAFI volunteer means taking sides and helping to carry out the initiatives promoted in favor of other patients and the Society in terms of health.”

Maria Teresa Vergés
“Communication is one of the central pillars of OAFI. As patient representatives, it is our duty to bring their voice to the public sphere and, in turn, transfer them the necessary tools to better understand their disease. Our role as disseminators and awareness of osteoarthritis is essential to help them understand and accept it. In this way, we will be able to improve their quality of life and prevent future cases of the pathology.”

Cristina Nova
“In order to develop the social activity of the foundation, it is important to raise funds that allow us to act autonomously and independently. From the foundation we have to thank all the people and companies that, with their contributions, allow us to continue working every day to help people who suffer from osteoarthritis and other oestoarticular pathologies.”

Marco Bibas
“The OAFI Foundation's R&D department plays a crucial role in advancing knowledge and treatment of joint health, especially osteoarthritis. We drive the generation of new scientific knowledge, we explore new therapies and treatments, and we promote the exchange of knowledge, resources and data with organizations and researchers around the world, with the aim of improving the lives of those who suffer from this disease.”

Nina Martínez
"Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and Non-Profit Organizations (ONL), in order to undertake actions that transform and improve society, we need the Corporate Social Responsibility of companies, since financing is necessary and in application of ethics and transparency enhances donor organizations.”

Dr. Baquero Úbeda