Using extracellular vesicles in fibrin gel to repair cartilage

Fibrin Gel Loaded with Extracellular Vesicles for the Treatment of Cartilage Lesions in the Joints - GelVex Study

Observational I.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio · NCT06713902

This study is testing a new way to help repair cartilage using a special gel made from blood and tiny particles from stem cells to see if it works better for orthopedic patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment51 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorI.R.C.C.S Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milan, MI)
Trial IDNCT06713902 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to create and analyze a fibrin gel derived from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is loaded with extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). The goal is to combine the beneficial effects of PRP growth factors with the cartilage-stimulating properties of MSC-EVs to enhance cartilage repair. This innovative approach seeks to provide orthopedic patients with a more effective treatment option that can be easily integrated into standard clinical practices.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 undergoing elective joint surgery or regenerative treatments for knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Not a fit: Patients with positive virological tests or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve cartilage repair in patients with joint diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies utilizing MSC-EVs for cartilage repair have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* males and females ≥ 18
* patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures;
* patients undergoing elective joint surgery with a diagnosis of knee or hip osteoarthritis (any Kellgren-Lawrence grade);
* patients undergoing regenerative medicine treatments with PRP with a diagnosis of knee or hip osteoarthritis (any Kellgren-Lawrence grade;
* signed Informed Consent for the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Positive virological test (HIV, HCV, HBV, TPHA)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding by self-declaration
* Other conditions that, at the discretion of the investigator or the physician

Where this trial is running

Milan, MI

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 Joint DiseaseCartilageMesenchymal Stromal CellsExtracellular VesiclesPlatelet Rich Plasma
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.