An arthritis drug made by UK pharmaceuticals company Astrazeneca has gained official approval to be used in the US.

Sold through business outsourcing firm Pozen, Vimovo has received Federal Drug Agency (FDA) approval for distribution in the country and includes the heartburn drug Nexium to help ensure it does not produce side-effects that harm the stomach, such as ulcers.

Such a development could see the pill being given to millions of osteoarthritis sufferers across the states.

During trials, it was found that only 4.1 per cent of patients taking the drug developed stomach ulcers, compared with 23 per cent for those using other drugs.

Those suffering from arthritic conditions may find a treatment that helps relieve the symptoms without any side effects is the use of portable ultrasound devices.

Another possible breakthrough in the treatment of osteoarthritis to emerge recently was the development of a blood test by experts at Kings' College, London, which can discover so-called biomarkers to help diagnose the disease at an early stage.