Could a single shot of your own stem cells ease knee arthritis?

NCT ID NCT02838069

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a single injection of a patient's own fat-derived stem cells can reduce pain and improve knee function in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis that hasn't responded to other treatments. One hundred participants received either a low dose, a high dose, or a placebo injection. Researchers measured pain and function improvements over 6 to 24 months using questionnaires and MRI scans.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

a patient's own fat-derived stem cells (called mesenchymal stromal cells)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new, one-time injection to ease pain and improve knee function for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial with only 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is still experimental, and long-term safety and effectiveness are not yet proven.

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 osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UH Montpellier

    Montpellier, 34295, France