Reprogrammed stem cells to preserve joints and ease osteoarthritis pain
Stem cell reprogramming for joint preservation to alleviate pain and promote function
This work tests reprogrammed stem-cell injections to protect joint cartilage and ease pain for people with osteoarthritis, especially Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11219226 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to create an off-the-shelf stem-cell product that could be injected into my joint to help preserve cartilage and reduce pain. They will reprogram cells to produce immunomodulatory effects and test those cells in clinically relevant surgical models of osteoarthritis. The team will build on prior clinical data showing bone marrow–derived cells can help and compare reprogrammed cells to those standards. Most work will be done in the lab and animal models now, with the goal of informing future treatments for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis—particularly Veterans or people with prior joint injuries—seeking non-surgical treatment options.
Not a fit: People whose pain is not caused by joint degeneration, those with end-stage joint destruction already needing replacement, or those who cannot safely receive joint injections may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce an off-the-shelf injection that preserves joint cartilage, reduces osteoarthritis pain, and delays or avoids joint replacement and opioid use.
How similar studies have performed: Intra-articular injections of mesenchymal stromal cells have shown benefit in many clinical studies, but developing a reliable, reprogrammed allogeneic cell source is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Decatur, UNITED STATES
- Veterans Health Administration — Decatur, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drissi, Moulay Hicham — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Drissi, Moulay Hicham
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 below.