New implant could ease pain after knee replacement, reduce opioid use

NCT ID NCT06799845

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested an experimental implant called ATX101 that slowly releases the numbing drug bupivacaine into the knee after total knee replacement surgery. The study involved 226 adults and compared ATX101 to a saline placebo and standard bupivacaine injections. The goal was to see if the implant provides better pain relief and reduces the need for opioid painkillers.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ATX101 (bupivacaine implant)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide longer-lasting pain relief after knee replacement surgery and reduce the need for opioid painkillers.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase 2 trial with only 226 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The implant may not work better than existing options, and there could be side effects like infection or implant-related issues.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Atlanta Centre for Medical Research

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30331, United States

  • Chesapeake Research Group, LLC

    Pasadena, Maryland, 21122, United States

  • Endeavor Clinical Trials, LLC

    San Antonio, Texas, 78240, United States

  • First Surgical Hospital

    Bellaire, Texas, 77401, United States

  • JBR Clinical Research, LLC

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84107, United States

  • Legent Orthopedic Hospital

    Carrollton, Texas, 75006, United States

  • Memorial Hermann Village

    Houston, Texas, 77043, United States

  • NextStage Clinical Research

    Wichita, Kansas, 67214, United States

  • NextStage Clinical Research

    San Antonio, Texas, 78258, United States

  • Phoenix Clinical Research

    Tamarac, Florida, 33321, United States

  • Woodland International Research Group, LLC

    Little Rock, Arkansas, 72211, United States