Scientists have identified a treatment that can regenerate cartilage by targeting an age-related protein, reversing joint damage in older animals and preventing arthritis after injury. The therapy works by blocking a protein that increases with age and reprogramming existing cells to restore cartilage, rather than relying on stem cells.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that mice given injections of a geronzyme inhibitor twice weekly for four weeks after joint injury showed a dramatic reduction in the development of osteoarthritis. Published in Science, the study showed cartilage regeneration following knee injuries similar to ACL tears, which are common in active adults.
Human knee tissue collected during joint replacement surgeries also responded positively, forming new, functional cartilage. Senior author Helen Blau said, “Until now, there has been no drug that directly treats the cause of cartilage loss. But this geronzyme inhibitor causes a dramatic regeneration of cartilage beyond that reported in response to any other drug or intervention.”