Los Angeles-based Keck Medicine of University of Southern California has launched a clinical trial evaluating the safety of an experimental injection and its potential to prevent cartilage deterioration in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
The treatment, CX-011, is administered as a single injection into the knee joint. The randomized, double-blind, early-phase trial will primarily assess its safety and tolerability. Keck Medicine is the sole trial site, according to an Oct. 14 news release.
Researchers will also use MRI scans and standardized questionnaires to assess changes in cartilage health, pain and physical function.
CX-011 was developed by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC led by Denis Evseenko, MD, PhD. The treatment is designed to interrupt overactive inflammation-related signaling involving the GP130 receptor, which can contribute to cartilage damage, without blocking the receptor entirely. Preclinical studies in animals showed signs of reduced joint pain, cartilage regeneration and improved joint function.
Jay Lieberman, MD, chief of USC Orthopaedic Surgery with Keck Medicine, is leading the clinical trial.
Osteoarthritis affects approximately 33 million Americans, and existing treatments can ease symptoms but do not stop disease progression, according to the release.
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