Developing a liquid cartilage filler for knee repair

Liquid cartilage for arthroscopy

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-10876468

This study is testing a new liquid cartilage filler called chondrogel to see if it can help heal knee injuries by filling in damaged areas, and it's designed for people who have cartilage problems in their knees.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-10876468 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a liquid cartilage filler known as chondrogel, which aims to repair gouge and focal defects in the knee through arthroscopic techniques. The chondrogel is made from allogeneic rib chondrocytes that can form strong neocartilage similar to natural articular cartilage. The project involves testing the effectiveness of chondrogel in filling different types of cartilage defects in a controlled environment and in live minipig models. The goal is to enhance the healing process of knee cartilage injuries, potentially improving outcomes for patients with such conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from gouge or focal cartilage defects in the knee.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced osteoarthritis or those who do not have cartilage defects may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients with knee cartilage defects, leading to improved joint function and reduced pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches for cartilage repair, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Irvine, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.