Based on minimal clinically important difference values, a moderate dose of tanezumab may be a better option for treating hip or knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Tanezumab is a nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody that may regulate pain in hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low and moderate doses of tanezumab in treating hip or knee OA.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched for clinical trials published before 1 May 2021. Patients were assessed efficacy and safety outcomes.

Results: Twelve randomized controlled trials including 6022 patients were identified. Both low and moderate doses of tanezumab significantly improved efficacy outcomes. However, only the point estimates (mean difference, MD) of moderate-dose tanezumab significantly exceeded the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs). There were no significant differences in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs), withdrawals due to AEs, serious AEs, and total joint replacement between the tanezumab and placebo groups, whereas the incidence of AEs was higher in the tanezumab group (relative risk, RR = 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 1.04-1.17). The incidence of rapidly progressive OA was significantly higher in the combined low- and moderate-dose tanezumab groups than in the placebo group (RR = 5.01; 95% CI = 1.17-21.33). Furthermore, both low and moderate doses of tanezumab significantly increased the incidence of abnormal peripheral sensation (RR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.21-3.28; RR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.91-3.67, respectively). Compared with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, tanezumab showed significantly improved efficacy outcomes ( < 0.05). However, the point estimates (MD) of tanezumab were not greater than the MCID. Pooled analysis showed no significant differences between tanezumab and NSAIDs and opioids in safety outcomes ( > 0.05).

Conclusion: Tanezumab is efficacious in patients with hip or knee OA. Tanezumab is relatively well tolerated and safe but increases the incidence of AEs and reversible abnormal peripheral sensation. Additional studies on the occurrence of rapidly progressive OA are needed. A moderate dose of tanezumab may maximize the benefits for hip or knee OA.