Could a common arthritis drug ease knee osteoarthritis pain?

NCT ID NCT07161336

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether methotrexate, a drug used for rheumatoid arthritis, can reduce pain and swelling in people with knee osteoarthritis who also have joint inflammation (synovitis). Seventy adults aged 40–70 will receive either methotrexate or a placebo for 6 months. Researchers will measure pain, function, and ultrasound signs of inflammation to see if the drug helps.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Methotrexate
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis who have joint inflammation.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 70 participants. Methotrexate may not reduce pain better than placebo, and it can cause side effects like nausea or liver issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee synovitis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

METHOTREXATE OSTEO ARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE SYNOVITIS OF KNEE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
RECRUITING

Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh

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