Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis received $17 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to advance an injectable osteoarthritis treatment toward clinical trials.
The funding supports the second phase of a project developing a nanoparticle-based therapy designed to reverse joint tissue damage. Clinical trials are scheduled to begin in 18 months, according to an Oct. 14 news release.
The project is led by Farshid Guilak, PhD, a professor of orthopedic surgery at WashU Medicine, and Christine Pham, MD, director of the university’s division of rheumatology. The researchers are collaborating with CRISPR Therapeutics and SynGenix, a WashU startup founded by Drs. Guilak and Pham, to complete testing and commercial development.
The treatment uses nanoparticles to deliver engineered genetic codes into joint tissue cells. The technology responds to inflammatory signals and mechanical stress by directing cells to produce proteins that promote tissue repair. Protein production stops when disease signals subside.
During the first phase, researchers demonstrated that the treatment could regenerate damaged joint tissue in animal models without surgery. Dr. Pham said the team restored a joint with severe osteoarthritis to near-baseline levels, achieving “almost 100% recovery.”
The treatment is being developed as a once-a-year injection for osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 33 million people in the U.S.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
