For millions of people living with knee osteoarthritis, finding relief from chronic knee pain can be challenging. While physical therapy, medications, injections, and knee replacement surgery are established treatment options, researchers continue to explore new approaches that may benefit patients in the future.
Orthopedic Centers of Colorado (OCC) is proud to announce that Dr. Justin Newman, fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon and clinical researcher, has treated the first U.S. participant in a Phase III knee osteoarthritis clinical trial evaluating an investigational regenerative therapy for symptomatic cartilage defects of the knee.
As Principal Investigator for the study, Dr. Newman is helping advance research that may expand future treatment options for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee joint and impacts more than 32 million adults in the United States. It develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears away. As cartilage deteriorates, patients may experience:
- Knee pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced mobility
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or participating in daily activities
Many patients successfully manage symptoms with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, injections, weight management, or activity modification. However, when symptoms continue to worsen, some patients ultimately require knee replacement surgery.
Researchers are studying whether new regenerative approaches may one day help fill the treatment gap for certain patients before knee replacement becomes necessary.
About the Phase III Knee Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial
The multicenter clinical trial is evaluating an investigational mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy derived from donated umbilical cord blood. Researchers are studying whether the therapy can safely and effectively treat symptomatic cartilage defects associated with knee osteoarthritis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed that this pivotal Phase III study, supported by previous clinical research conducted in South Korea and Japan, may serve as the basis for a future Biologics License Application (BLA).
It is important to understand that this therapy remains investigational and has not been approved by the FDA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its safety and effectiveness before it could become available for routine clinical use.
Why Knee Osteoarthritis Research Matters
Patients with knee osteoarthritis often have limited treatment options once conservative care no longer provides relief but before they are ready for joint replacement surgery.
“This study represents an exciting opportunity to explore potential new treatment options for patients living with knee osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Justin Newman. “Many individuals have painful cartilage damage but are not yet candidates for knee replacement. While this investigational therapy is still being evaluated, I am proud to contribute to research that may help improve orthopedic care in the future.”
Dr. Newman has extensive experience treating knee injuries, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, and sports-related conditions. In addition to caring for patients, he serves as Principal Investigator or participates in many orthopedic clinical trials evaluating innovative treatments designed to improve patient outcomes.
Why Participate in the Knee Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial?
Clinical trials are essential to developing the next generation of orthopedic treatments. Every medication, surgical procedure, and medical device available today was carefully evaluated through clinical research before becoming widely available.
Participation in a clinical trial allows eligible volunteers to contribute to medical research while helping physicians better understand potential future treatment options for knee osteoarthritis and other orthopedic conditions.
Through Dr. Newman’s leadership, Orthopedic Centers of Colorado is proud to offer eligible patients the opportunity to participate in this important clinical trial evaluating an investigational treatment for knee osteoarthritis, with the potential for additional research opportunities in the future.
Who May Be Eligible?
The Phase III clinical trial is currently enrolling adults between the ages of 18 and 75 who have symptomatic cartilage defects associated with knee osteoarthritis.
If you are experiencing persistent knee pain from osteoarthritis and would like to learn whether you may qualify for this or other orthopedic clinical trials, visit our Clinical Trials page or speak with your orthopedic specialist.
About Dr. Justin Newman
Dr. Justin Newman is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Orthopedic Centers of Colorado specializing in advanced treatment of knee, shoulder, and hip injuries. His clinical expertise includes cartilage restoration, joint preservation, ligament reconstruction, and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. As an active clinical researcher, he is committed to advancing orthopedic medicine through participation in national clinical trials evaluating innovative treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions.
Interested in Learning More?
Visit occ-ortho.com/cartistem-trials/ to learn more about current research studies at Orthopedic Centers of Colorado and see if you may qualify.
The investigational therapy discussed in this article is sponsored by MEDIPOST Inc. and has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Its safety and effectiveness have not yet been established.
