To study the efficacy and tolerance of the daily administration of an oral chondroprotector based on hyaluronate (HA) and hydrolysed collagen (HC) on joint function and pain in active adults suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

A phase IV exploratory, multicentre, open and non-comparative pilot study was performed, which included 108 subjects affected by knee osteoarthritis who practised daily physical activity. They took one daily vial containing 7g of HC and 25mg of HA for 90 consecutive days. The clinical evaluation of joint function and pain was performed using the WOMAC Index for functional disability and stiffness, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and the opinion of the doctor as well as the patient suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

The changes in the WOMAC scale, in its components of functional disability and stiffness, showed a gradual decrease after the initial visit (P<.01). At the same time, a reduction in joint pain was observed from the beginning of the treatment (P<.01). Efficacy evaluation of the treatment increased with time. Tolerance was positively evaluated during the whole treatment.

The oral administration of a daily supplement of HA and HC for 90 consecutive days was effective in improving joint function and reducing pain in active adults suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The mean value of all efficacy evaluations during the different visits showed a clear improvement during all the follow-up. The treatment was well tolerated throughout the study.