University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers, building on their previous work on mRNA-based vaccines, have developed a promising technique for treating osteoarthritis using therapeutic blood clots activated by messenger RNA. The method relies on mineral-coated microparticles to deliver mRNA that will then encourage cartilage formation.
First, the team takes bone marrow aspirate (liquid bone marrow) and blood samples from a patient, mixes in the microparticles, and then forms the mixture into a blood clot. This clot is then delivered to the site of the damage. The new technique results in a high strength repair that has the same mechanical properties as joint cartilage – a superior effect to existing treatments.
This technique has been proven in small mammals but human clinical trials could be some way off. The team are currently using surgery to deliver the therapy but are hopeful that in the longer term this could be by injection for cases of advanced osteoarthritis.