Montelukast for protecting cartilage after ACL surgery

MOntelukast as a Potential CHondroprotective Treatment Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (MOCHA Trial)

Early Phase 1 Interventional University of Kentucky · NCT04572256

This study is testing if taking montelukast for six months after ACL surgery can help older patients reduce inflammation and protect their cartilage from damage.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Kentucky Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lexington, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT04572256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigates the effects of a 6-month course of oral montelukast on reducing inflammation and cartilage degradation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Targeting older patients with ACL and meniscus injuries, the study aims to determine if montelukast can mitigate the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) progression. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either montelukast or a placebo daily for six months after their surgery, with assessments of systemic inflammation and cartilage biomarkers conducted throughout the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 25-50 who are undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with a concomitant meniscus injury.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing revision procedures or those without a meniscus tear at the time of surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using montelukast for cartilage protection is novel, previous studies have shown promise in using anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce cartilage degradation post-injury.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Undergoing primary ACL reconstruction
2. Age between 25-50
3. Concomitant meniscus injury

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Undergoing revision procedures
2. Multiple ligament injuries requiring multiple ligament reconstruction/repair
3. Depressive symptoms and/or those who endorse suicidal ideation at the time of enrollment (PHQ-9 score \>= 15)
4. Found to not have a meniscus tear at the time of surgery

Where this trial is running

Lexington, Kentucky

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 ACL InjuryMeniscus TearPost-traumatic Osteoarthritisknee ligamentosteoarthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.