Enhanced cell therapy for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, a painful condition, affects the protective cartilage providing a smooth

and slippery interface at bone joints. This cartilage gradually deteriorates, leaving bone
to rub on bone. Intra-articular injections of multipotent stem cells have shown the most
promise in treating the disease. However, the physiological saline in which the cells are
delivered to the joints has not adequately fostered successful transplantation. The EU-
funded project BABHY-CART is providing a friendlier microenvironment for the cells. It
will mimic their natural environment, encouraging them to thrive and release anti-
osteoarthritic factors in vivo.