NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving treatments for joint pain caused by osteoarthritis in veterans

Official title: CMA: Cartilage Repair Strategies to Alleviate Arthritic Pain (CaRe AP): Optimizing the Host Environment for Intra-articular Osteoarthritis Therapies

Funded at Oklahoma City VA Medical Center · NIH-10884156 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking for new ways to help military service members and veterans with post-traumatic osteoarthritis by testing treatments that can ease joint pain and help heal damaged tissues.

More Osteoarthritis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOklahoma City VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2020
Project endSeptember 30, 2025
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX004882-05
Project IDNIH-10884156 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are military service members and veterans suffering from post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

Less likely to help

Patients with osteoarthritis not related to trauma or military service may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new treatments for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), which is common among military service members and veterans due to joint injuries. The project aims to explore innovative therapies that reduce pain and inflammation in the joints, as well as optimize the use of stem cells to repair damaged joint tissues. By using pre-clinical animal models that reflect the health conditions of veterans, the research seeks to identify effective interventions that can improve joint function and alleviate pain. The ultimate goal is to create safe and effective treatment options for those suffering from PTOA.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce pain and improve joint function for veterans with osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell therapies and non-pharmacologic approaches for treating osteoarthritis, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Jeffries, Matlock — Oklahoma City VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Jeffries, Matlock

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.