Osteoarthritis is the major nosological form representing degenerative joint disease, characterized by chronic, steadily progressive course. The disease is primarily caused by an imbalance between the anabolic and catabolic processes, especially in the hyaline cartilage. Administration of structure-modifying medications (or chondroprotectors) for the treatment of osteoarthritisis is pathogenetically substantiated, contributes to a significant reduction of the NSAIDs intake and considerably reduces the risk of side effects. Currently, the most thoroughly studied chondroprotectors are chondroitin