Comparing genicular artery embolization with steroid knee injections for osteoarthritis pain
Official title: Resorbable Embolization MicroSpheres for OsteoaRthritis Benefit
Run by North American Science Associates Ltd. · NCT06872567 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether genicular artery embolization (using Nexsphere-F) reduces knee osteoarthritis pain more than a standard corticosteroid knee injection.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | North American Science Associates Ltd. Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06872567 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Small early studies and case series have reported promising pain relief with genicular artery embolization, but larger randomized data remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ziv J Haskal, MD
- Email: haskalembo@gmail.com
- Phone: 16463691570
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.