Animal Study Signals Potential One-Dose Cure for Osteoarthritis

Colorado researchers report two regenerative approaches for osteoarthritis: a single, injectable therapy using a repurposed FDA-approved drug with a patented particle delivery system, and an engineered protein cocktail that patches cartilage by recruiting the body’s progenitor cells. In animal models, treated joints regained health within 4–8 weeks, and human cells from joint-replacement patients showed regenerative effects in vitro. Having completed Phase I, the team moves to Phase II under ARPA-H’s $30 million NITRO program, aiming for clinical trials in about 18 months and the potential for an affordable, single‑visit therapy to repair joints and avoid replacements.