Federal Agency Funds Three Teams to Regrow Knees for Arthritis Patients

Three research teams funded by the federal agency ARPA-H have successfully regrown bone, cartilage, and even entire knees in animal studies. The breakthrough treatments for osteoarthritis are moving toward human trials soon.

The teams are developing three different approaches: a healing shot, an injury-patching gel, and an annual infusion treatment. All aim to help the body repair joint damage naturally instead of just managing pain.

Osteoarthritis affects over 32 million Americans and happens when cartilage in joints breaks down over time. Current treatments only slow the damage or manage pain through medications and eventual joint replacement surgery.

The new approaches focus on disease-modifying drugs that could actually reverse joint damage. The FDA and European drug agencies have called for these types of treatments because existing options don't address the root problem.

Researchers say the animal studies show promise for regrowing damaged tissue. One team believes they could have treatments ready for commercial use within five years if human trials go well.