Scientists are investigating if stem cells can repair joints damaged by osteoarthritis

Australian scientists are pioneering the use of stem cells to cure osteoarthritis in a new clinical trial investigating if the cutting-edge treatment can cure the underlying causes of the disease.

Australian scientists are pioneering the use of stem cells to cure osteoarthritis in a new clinical trial.

Australian scientists are pioneering the use of stem cells to cure osteoarthritis in a new clinical trial investigating whether the cutting-edge treatment can cure the underlying damage from the disease, which is one of the leading causes of disability globally.

University of Sydney professor of medicine David Hunter, who is leading the trial, said injecting stem cells into the affected joint such as a knee had been shown to repair the damage done by osteoarthritis rather than just mask the pain like other available treatments.

Osteoarthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the world and affects about three million Australians, with a 58 per cent increase in cases expected by 2032 because of the ageing population.

Professor Hunter said the trial, which is being conducted in collaboration with Cynata Therapeutics, was actively recruiting for about 400 participants older than 40 who suffered from painful osteoarthritis in their knees.

“What we’re trying to do with stem cells is not just modify the symptoms but also modify the underlying disease,” he said.

“Stem cells through some of the properties of the cells likely have the capacity to regulate inflammation, and hopefully through that, allow the joint to repair itself.”

Professor Hunter said stem cells – basic cells that can become almost any type of cell in the body – had the potential to repair damaged joints ravaged by ­osteoarthritis. “Within the context of osteoarthritis in the inflamed lining of the joint – the synovium – they’re releasing a whole lot of molecules which help to promote inflammation in the joint and drive underlying systems and structural change.

“What we’re hoping to do is reduce that inflammation in the synovium, and by so doing reduce the inflammation in the joint, and stop the progression and hopefully reduce the symptoms,” he said.

Cynata Therapeutics chief executive Ross Macdonald said use of stem cells to treat inflammation had the potential to not only treat but even reverse the damage done by osteoarthritis.