Vascarta has announced the publication of results from a clinical trial evaluating its investigational topical curcumin gel, VAS-101, for the treatment of knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Pain Research.

The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that participants using VAS-101 experienced statistically significant reductions in knee pain compared to those receiving a placebo, along with a favourable safety and tolerability profile.

The trial enrolled 60 adults aged between 45 and 75 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Participants applied either VAS-101 or a placebo gel to the affected knee every alternate day for 28 days. Researchers assessed outcomes using multiple validated measures, including pain scores, daily pain ratings, physical function tests and use of additional pain medication.

Key findings showed a significant improvement in pain scores and a notable reduction in daily pain levels among those using VAS-101. Nearly 40 percent of participants reported meaningful improvement in symptoms, compared to just over 13 percent in the placebo group. Additionally, over 30 percent of participants achieved clinically important symptom relief, more than double the placebo group.

The gel was generally well tolerated, with no major adverse effects reported. Temporary skin staining, a known characteristic of curcumin-based topical treatments, was observed but resolved within a few days after discontinuation.

Experts involved in the study noted that topical delivery of curcumin could provide an effective non-oral treatment alternative for osteoarthritis pain, potentially overcoming limitations associated with oral therapies. However, they emphasised the need for larger and longer-term studies to further validate the findings.

The company plans to advance the development of VAS-101 and is preparing for regulatory filings with the United States Food and Drug Administration later this year.