Stem Cell Based, Cryopreservable Bioimplants for Arthritis
Researchers are developing off-the-shelf treatments to save joints before they wear out
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease where the protective layer of articular cartilage that cushions the junctional surface of bones in joints degenerates. This restricts movement and causes chronic pain. Joint replacement surgery offers the only permanent solution once articular cartilages erode.
Researchers are developing a stem cell–based, cryopreservable bioimplant that can repair articular cartilage before arthritis sets in. They have demonstrated its efficacy in animal models. Translation of this treatment into the clinics is currently underway with a $6 million grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine.
After deriving articular chondrocytes from hESCs in vitro, Evseenko’s team investigated the benefits of these cells. The team generated focal lesions in articular cartilages in live pigs and tested the cells at multiple doses and with different carriers. Assessments included the direct injection of free articulate chondrocytes and the embedding of articulate chondrocytes in a collagen membrane scaffold. Membrane-embedded transplantation gave the best results and was developed into the Plurocart bioimplant. The pig-collagen membrane is a clinically approved scaffold manufactured by Vericell that is currently used in dentistry.
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