Comparing genicular artery embolization with steroid knee injections for osteoarthritis pain

Resorbable Embolization MicroSpheres for OsteoaRthritis Benefit

Not applicable Interventional North American Science Associates Ltd. · NCT06872567

This trial will test whether genicular artery embolization (using Nexsphere-F) reduces knee osteoarthritis pain more than a standard corticosteroid knee injection.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNorth American Science Associates Ltd. Research network
Locations1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06872567 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing genicular artery embolization (GAE) using Nexsphere-F to intra-articular corticosteroid injection for people with localized knee osteoarthritis pain. Eligible participants must be suitable candidates for an arterial vascular access procedure and willing to follow study visits. Participants are randomized to receive either GAE or a steroid injection, with clinical follow-up to monitor pain, function, and safety outcomes over time. The lead site is the University of Virginia and the study is sponsored by North American Science Associates Ltd. with Next Biomedical Co., Ltd. as a collaborator.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: People with localized knee osteoarthritis pain who are appropriate candidates for an arterial vascular access procedure and willing to comply with study visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who are allergic to implant materials, unable to undergo arterial access, or unwilling/unable to follow study requirements are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, GAE could offer longer-lasting pain relief for knee osteoarthritis and reduce the need for repeat steroid injections or surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Small early studies and case series have reported promising pain relief with genicular artery embolization, but larger randomized data remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient has localized knee pain
* Must be an appropriate candidate for arterial vascular access procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known sensitivity or allergy to implant materials
* Unable or unwilling to comply with study requirements

Where this trial is running

Charlottesville, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Knee Osteoarthritis
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.