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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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226 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2025
- Finished
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Oct 2025
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Key Inclusion Criteria: * Primary indication of TKA is knee pain due to osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis * Scheduled to undergo primary unilateral TKA with a cemented prosthesis, without use of a surgical drain, and under bupivacaine spinal anesthesia (dextrose is permitted) * American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) Physical Classification System of class 1, 2, or 3 * Capable, able, and willing to comply with all trial visits and procedures. Participant must also be able to use trial required e-diary and demonstrate completion compliance during the screening period * English or Spanish speaking, willing, and capable of providing written informed consent Key Exclusion Criteria: * Has a planned concurrent surgical procedure (e.g. bilateral TKA) at the time of surgery or a planned surgical procedure before the last trial visit * Has had any previous open surgery, (e.g., ORIF for fracture, osteotomy, arthroplasty, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, or TKA), in the trial knee at any time in the past or arthroscopic surgery within 12 months. Has had any previous surgery in the contralateral knee within 6 months prior to screening * Has been administered any type of intra-articular injection within 3 months of surgery in the trial knee * Unable to abstain from opioid use for knee pain (including codeine) within 2 weeks (14 days) of surgery * Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥45 kg/m² * Is unwilling or unable to discontinue use of medications or products that can impact pain control from the Screening Visit until the last trial visit (e.g. cannabidiol (CBD) oil, Kratom) * Has a medical condition or receiving medication such that, in the opinion of the Investigator, participating in the trial would pose a health risk to the participant or confound the postsurgical assessments or might confound or interfere with the outcome of the trial * Has received/used an investigational drug, product, or device for a clinical trial within 30 days of screening. COVID-19 vaccines (approved or under emergency use authorization locally) are permitted if the participant is not in a clinical trial for the vaccine * Has a positive drug screen at the Screening Visit or on the day of surgery * Has participated in an ATX101 clinical trial * Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the trial or before the last trial visit Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion criteria may apply
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Atlanta Centre for Medical Research
Atlanta, Georgia, 30331, United States
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Chesapeake Research Group, LLC
Pasadena, Maryland, 21122, United States
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Endeavor Clinical Trials, LLC
San Antonio, Texas, 78240, United States
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First Surgical Hospital
Bellaire, Texas, 77401, United States
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JBR Clinical Research, LLC
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84107, United States
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Legent Orthopedic Hospital
Carrollton, Texas, 75006, United States
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Memorial Hermann Village
Houston, Texas, 77043, United States
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NextStage Clinical Research
Wichita, Kansas, 67214, United States
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NextStage Clinical Research
San Antonio, Texas, 78258, United States
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Phoenix Clinical Research
Tamarac, Florida, 33321, United States
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Woodland International Research Group, LLC
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72211, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a new Slow-Release ibuprofen tame knee arthritis pain for 12 hours?