The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of chondroitin sulphate in knee osteoarthritis. A 24-week, randomised placebo-controlled trial of chondroitin sulphate (1 g/day) in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis as measured on a visual analgue scale. Pain on daily activities and Lequesne’s Index were the primary efficacy criteria. 307 patients were included in the study. The authors conclude that this study failed to show an efficacy of chondroitin sulphate on the two primary criteria considered together, although chondroitin sulphate was slightly more effective than placebo on pain, OMERACT-OARSI response rate, investigator’s assessment and quality of life.