In Vitro Test to Predict Knee OA PRP Benefit
Official title: In Vitro Assay to Predict the Clinical Response to Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment of Knee OA
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11349312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A lab test on patient blood samples is being developed to predict who with knee OA will benefit from their own platelet-rich plasma treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RD000558-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with symptomatic early knee OA who are candidates for autologous PRP treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit may be those whose PRP does not alter macrophage activity or who do not respond clinically to PRP despite favorable in vitro results.
What this research studies
This project uses an in vitro macrophage assay to see how PRP from different individuals affects inflammatory cells. It aims to identify biological markers that distinguish likely responders from non-responders before giving PRP. The study builds on prior findings that PRP impact on macrophages varies with patient age and health. If successful, the test could help clinicians choose PRP therapies for Veterans with knee OA more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the test works, veterans with knee OA could receive PRP treatment with higher chances of pain relief and better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed variable PRP outcomes and a macrophage-based difference by donor characteristics, suggesting potential for a predictive test.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chu, Constance R — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Chu, Constance R
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.