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Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have introduced a groundbreaking method for addressing osteoarthritis by utilizing therapeutic blood clots activated through messenger RNA technology.
Osteoarthritis stands as the most prevalent form of arthritis in the United States, impacting approximately 33 million adults, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The condition is characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in critical joints like the knees and hips, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
In a study published in December 2024 in the journal Bioactive Materials, a team led by William Murphy, a professor specializing in biomedical engineering and orthopedics, elaborated on this innovative approach. If further refined, this method could surpass traditional treatments, including steroid injections and joint replacements, by providing more effective outcomes.
“Ideally, our approach could evolve into an injectable or implantable solution for patients with severe osteoarthritis,” Murphy states, highlighting the limitations of current interventions that often fail to deliver lasting relief.
The technique builds upon the lab’s prior advancements in mRNA-based therapies for various conditions, including spinal injuries. It employs mineral-coated microparticles designed to transport mRNA that instructs the body to produce a protein crucial for cartilage generation.
The process begins with the collection of liquid bone marrow and peripheral blood from the patient. These samples are combined with the microparticles to create a specialized blood clot, which is subsequently introduced to the damaged joint area.
“The entire procedure is conducted during the same surgical operation,” Murphy explains. “We are utilizing materials that are harvested directly from the patient, making this approach both innovative and personalized.”
Current treatments, like arthroscopic chondroplasties, may lead to the creation of fibrocartilage tissue, but this newer tissue lacks the robust mechanical properties of true joint cartilage and tends to degrade more rapidly. Unlike conventional tissue engineering, this new approach circumvents the need for synthetic scaffolds to support cell growth.
After demonstrating success in rabbit models, the research team plans to advance their testing to larger animal models before moving on to clinical trials involving human participants.
Murphy’s team is also investigating the potential application of this technology to treat significant muscle and bone defects.
The research has received funding from a generous donation from the Shannon family supporting the Musculoskeletal Regeneration Partnership, as well as from the National Institute on Aging (award number F30AG077748) and the UW-Madison Medical Scientist Training Program.
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