Could a common drug stop arthritis after a torn ACL?

NCT ID NCT03552705

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether tranexamic acid (TXA), a drug that reduces bleeding, can lower inflammation and protect joint health after an ACL tear. Fifty people aged 18-30 with a recent ACL injury will receive either TXA or a placebo around the time of surgery. The goal is to see if TXA can prevent or delay post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which often develops years after such injuries.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

tranexamic acid (TXA)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple way to prevent or delay arthritis after ACL injuries.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (50 people) testing a short-term effect. The drug may not meaningfully reduce arthritis risk, and results may not apply to everyone.

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 prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Stanford University

    RECRUITING

    Stanford, California, 94305, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••