Comparison of tanezumab and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in efficacy and safety for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) poses a significant global health burden often managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Tanezumab, a nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitor, presents a potential alternative, but its comparative efficacy and safety relative to NSAIDs remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare tanezumab and NSAIDs for CLBP.
Methods: This is a systematic review with meta-analysis, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane Handbook. PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for literature published before March 10, 2025. Outcome measures included low back pain intensity (LBPI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores, adverse events (AEs), and response rates. Manager V.5.3.3 was used for statistical assessments.
Results: Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, comprising 835 participants. Tanezumab at 10 mg dose demonstrated significantly greater reduction in LBPI scores at 1-week, 4-week, 8-week, and 12-week follow-ups compared to NSAIDs. Improvement in RMDQ scores was also superior with 10 mg tanezumab at 2-week and 16-week follow-ups. The 5 mg dose, however, did not exhibit a significant difference in functional improvement compared to NSAIDs. Both the 5 mg and 10 mg tanezumab doses showed similar rates of AEs compared to NSAIDs, except for a higher incidence of abnormal…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 835 participants or records.
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