Breakthrough Treatment Could Reverse Cartilage Loss and Stop Osteoarthritis

A new treatment could help regrow cartilage and prevent osteoarthritis in both aged and injured joints. Tests on mice have shown promising results, with just two injections a week reducing the risk of the condition developing after an injury. Researchers now plan further trials to explore its potential for humans.

The experimental treatment works by blocking a protein called 15-PGDH, which increases with age and harms muscle stem cells. In mice, inhibiting this protein not only thickened knee cartilage but also boosted muscle mass and endurance. When injected into joints or the abdomen, the small-molecule drug encouraged chondrocytes—the cells responsible for cartilage—to produce stronger, functional tissue.

In trials, mice receiving two weekly injections for four weeks showed a significantly lower chance of developing osteoarthritis after a joint injury. The approach also reversed cartilage loss linked to ageing, suggesting it could delay or even eliminate the need for joint replacements. While no human studies on 15-PGDH inhibitors for joints or muscles have been completed, preclinical data indicates improved cartilage regeneration and load-bearing capacity in mouse models with knee osteoarthritis.

An oral version of the inhibitor has already passed Phase 1 clinical trials, where it was tested for muscle weakness. The next steps will focus on understanding whether these cartilage-regenerating effects translate to people.

The findings open possibilities for treating osteoarthritis without surgery. If successful in humans, the injections could restore damaged cartilage and improve joint health in older adults or those recovering from injuries. Further clinical trials will determine whether the drug's benefits extend beyond mice to real-world medical use.