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Stem cells for osteoarthritis

Learn how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being studied for their potential to ease joint pain and support cartilage health in osteoarthritis.

Living with osteoarthritis

Today, osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 595 million people globally, yet current treatments mainly focus on easing symptoms rather than repairing the joint.1 It develops slowly over time as cartilage in the joints breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

What is osteoarthritis?

OA is a degenerative disease that primarily affects the cartilage covering the ends of bones in joints like the knee, hip, or hand. As cartilage thins, joints lose their smooth cushioning, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.1

Why mesenchymal stem cells are being explored in osteoarthritis

Mesenchymal stem cells are being investigated for their potential to intervene earlier, not just to relieve symptoms but to influence the biology driving joint degeneration by modulating inflammation and supporting cartilage health.2-5

What we’re starting to see

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Both preclinical studies and clinical trials have reported findings on mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis.

595M+

people



The live page states that osteoarthritis affects more than 595 million people globally.1

Reduced pain and stiffness

Patients receiving intra-articular mesenchymal stem cell injections have reported less joint pain and stiffness, and improved mobility.5-7

Cartilage support

Some studies suggest mesenchymal stem cells may slow or even partially repair cartilage degeneration.5-8

26

studies



A 2023 review included 15 randomized controlled trials and 11 non-randomized studies involving over 600 patients.5

62 randomized clinical trials

A 2021 meta-analysis of 62 randomized clinical trials concluded that mesenchymal stem cell therapy was safe compared with placebo, with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported.9

How stem cells may interact

How could mesenchymal stem cells help prevent OA?

Most current treatments for OA focus on managing symptoms. Few options exist to address the underlying disease process.1

Modulate immune responses

Research suggests mesenchymal stem cells may modulate immune responses and reduce harmful inflammation.4

Support cartilage cells

Research suggests mesenchymal stem cells may support cartilage cells, protect against further damage, and stimulate new tissue growth.2,3,5-8

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At Cellcolabs Clinical, we are studying whether mesenchymal stem cells may help support joint health by reducing inflammation, protecting cartilage, and creating conditions that allow tissue to repair.

References

  1. Martel-Pelletier J. Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2004.
  2. Caplan AI, Correa D. The MSC: an injury drugstore. Cell Stem Cell. 2011.
  3. Murphy MB, Moncivais K, Caplan AI. Mesenchymal stem cells: environmentally responsive therapeutics for regenerative medicine. Exp Mol Med. 2013.
  4. Krampera M, Le Blanc K. Mesenchymal stromal cells: Putative microenvironmental modulators become cell therapy. Cell Stem Cell. 2021.
  5. Copp G, Robb KP, Viswanathan S. Culture-expanded mesenchymal stromal cell therapy: does it work in knee osteoarthritis? Cell Mol Immunol. 2023.
  6. Kangari P et al. Mesenchymal stem cells: amazing remedies for bone and cartilage defects. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2020.
  7. Ha C-W et al. Intra-articular mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review. Arthroscopy. 2019.
  8. Wang G et al. Preclinical studies and clinical trials on mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Int J Rheum Dis. 2022.
  9. Wang Y, Yi H, Song Y. The safety of MSC therapy over the past 15 years: a meta-analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2021.
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