A new research project intends to determine if knee cartilage can be regenerated using stem cells. The project is being performed by the Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Florida.
This exciting new study is being led by Dr. Adam Anz, an orthopaedic surgeon at Andrews Institute. It is the United State’s first Phase II trial for using stem cells to treat knee injuries to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
There are already dozens of trials using stem cells to regenerate tissue, including ligaments and tendons. However, this is the first time that researchers will be using stem cells to regenerate cartilage in patients with substantial knee degeneration.
Dr. Anz explains the importance of the research, saying: “In the United States, there are currently no proven treatment options that utilise stem cells to regenerate a patient’s knee cartilage once it has deteriorated. This clinical trial is a monumental step to get FDA- approved stem cell technology to our patients.”
The Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Center (KLSMC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is also involved in the project and some funding is being provided by the Malaysian government. The trial will attempt to replicate the results from clinical treatments that are already being performed in Malaysia.
Dr. Khay-Yong Saw, from the KLSMC, explains the challenges how the study will help validate the current treatments used in Malaysia, saying: “The whole concept of regenerating cartilage is totally different from what’s being used now to treat damaged cartilage. We are hoping this study will help the FDA evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of this clinical application.”
The study may take as long as 6 years to complete, given the substantial amount of data that must be gathered. If successful, doctors in the United States may soon be using stem cells to treat serious knee injuries.
{{cta(‘d59882b5-74e2-4033-be94-d4c340e1978c’)}}