Comparing two types of stem cell injections for knee and hip osteoarthritis

A Phase 2, Randomized Study to Compare Bone Marrow Aspirate Versus Lipoaspirate Concentrate Autologous Cell Therapy for the Treatment of the Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis in Adults

PHASE2 · Dr. G. Karmy Medicine Professional Corporation · NCT05507099

This study is testing whether a stem cell injection from fat works better than one from bone marrow to help people with knee and hip osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 95 Years
SexAll
SponsorDr. G. Karmy Medicine Professional Corporation (other)
Locations1 site (Brampton, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT05507099 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single intra-articular injection of Lipoaspirate Concentrate compared to Bone Marrow Aspirate in reducing pain and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. The primary focus is on measuring the magnitude and duration of pain relief, while secondary objectives include assessing functional improvement, stiffness, and overall patient satisfaction. Additionally, the study will explore the safety and tolerability of both injection types. Participants will be monitored for their pain levels and functional capabilities over the course of the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 95 with symptomatic knee or hip osteoarthritis who have not found relief from conservative treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with mild osteoarthritis or those who have not tried conservative treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients suffering from osteoarthritis pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using stem cell therapies for osteoarthritis, but this specific comparison of Lipoaspirate and Bone Marrow Aspirate is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, aged 18 to 95 years old
2. Residents of Canada
3. Written informed consent to participate in the study
4. Willingness and ability to comply with the study procedures and phone visit schedules and ability to follow verbal and written instruction
5. The NRS for at least 5 daily measures will be used to calculate the average score. An average NRS pain score 4-9 (moderate to severe pain).
6. Diagnosis of symptomatic knee or hip osteoarthritis for at least 12 weeks prior to screening based on an X-ray performed within 1 year prior to screening period.
7. Radiographic evidence of OA of the index knee or hip (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade I to IV) within 1 year prior to screening or during the screening period.
8. Failed conservative treatment for more than 12 weeks before the screening, meaning that pain persists for more than 12 weeks after the patient tried two or more of the following medication or interventions in that period.

   * oral analgesics, including over-the-counter medications and supplements,
   * physiotherapy
   * acupuncture
   * bracing
   * cortisone injections,
   * hyaluronic acid injections,
   * dextrose injections (prolotherapy)
   * platelet-rich plasma injections
9. Women of childbearing potential must use an effective method of contraception from 14 days prior to baseline visit to 360 days after intervention. Effective birth control considered for this trial are total abstinence; consistent use of birth control pills; injectable birth control methods; intrauterine device placement; and tubal ligation or male partner with vasectomy; diaphragm with contraceptive jelly or condom with contraceptive foam.This does not apply to male and postmenopausal women.
10. Body mass index (BMI) ≤ 50 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the trial period.
2. Women of childbearing potential (not surgically sterile or post-menopausal for at least one year) not using a highly effective method of contraception such as total abstinence; consistent use of birth control pills; injectable birth control methods; intrauterine device placement; and tubal ligation or male partner with vasectomy; diaphragm with contraceptive jelly or condom with contraceptive foam.
3. History of malignancy except for the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, within 5 years prior to pre-screening.
4. Presence of retained rods or screws or insertion or joint replacement in the joint to be injected
5. History of autoimmune diseases including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
6. Prior arthroscopic or open surgery of the index joint within 6 months prior to screening
7. Planned arthroscopic or open surgery of the index joint during study period
8. Intra-articular injections in the index joint within 3 months prior to screening for corticosteroids or dextrose injections, and within 6 months prior to screening for hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
9. Use of systemic immunosuppressives, immunomodulators or chemotherapeutic agents within 3 months prior to baseline visit
10. Know hypersensitivity to lidocaine, epinephrine or heparin
11. History of coagulopathy
12. Fever (forehead temperature above 38.0 centigrade) at baseline visit
13. Subjects with cutaneous infection at the lipoaspirate or bone marrow aspirate site and/or in the area of the injection at baseline visit
14. Subjects with hemoglobin less than 10 g/L
15. Subjects with platelet count less than 155x109/L
16. Subjects participating in a study of an experimental drug or medical device within 30 days of study entry
17. Any medical condition the qualified investigator believes makes the patient unsuitable for the study
18. Subjects using warfarin before the screening, with an INR above 3

Where this trial is running

Brampton, Ontario

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Osteoarthritis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.