Treatment of osteoarthritis with tiaprofenic acid: biochemical and histological protection against cartilage breakdown in the Pond-Nuki canine model.

Experimental and cage matched control animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after production of ligamentous instability in the right knee, and biochemical studies were performed on eroded OA and normal articular cartilage. Significant protection was afforded by tiaprofenic acid administered orally at 15 mg/kg body weight. Chondroprotection was manifested by reduction of fast sedimenting proteoglycan aggregates, as well as retention of hyaluronate content, and favorable proteoglycan aggregate S value levels. This agent showed significant chondroprotective action under the conditions of these studies.