Following the foundation laid by earlier research on mRNA-based vaccines and therapies for spinal cord injuries, the method uses mineral-coated microparticles to deliver mRNA that instructs the body to produce a protein that aids in cartilage formation.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created an exciting new technique aimed at treating osteoarthritis through therapeutic blood clots triggered by messenger RNA.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis, impacting around 33 million adults in the U.S. This condition occurs when the cartilage in crucial joints, such as the knees and hips, wears down, leading to pain and stiffness, which hinders mobility.
In a study published online in December 2024 in the journal Bioactive Materials, the UW-Madison team led by William Murphy, a professor of biomedical engineering as well as orthopedics and rehabilitation, outlines their innovative method. With further refinement, this technique could eventually provide a more effective alternative to current treatments like steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, or even joint replacement surgeries.
“Ideally, this could turn into an injectable or implantable solution for patients experiencing advanced osteoarthritis,” Murphy explains. “It would serve as an alternative to existing treatments, which often do not deliver strong long-term results.”
Building on his lab’s past research with mRNA-based vaccines and spinal cord injury therapies, the new approach utilizes mineral-coated microparticles to transport mRNA that encodes for a protein promoting cartilage development.
The process begins with the collection of bone marrow aspirate (fluid from bone marrow) and blood samples from the patient, which are then mixed with the microparticles to create a blood clot infused with the mRNA. This clot is then placed at the injury site.
“All of this occurs during a single surgical session,” Murphy noted, as his lab focuses on therapies that utilize biologically inspired materials. “It’s designed to be an intra-operative procedure, utilizing materials sourced from the patient directly.”
In contrast to current methods like arthroscopic chondroplasties, which may promote the growth of new fibrocartilage, this new material does not possess the same mechanical attributes of genuine joint cartilage and tends to deteriorate more rapidly. However, unlike traditional tissue engineering techniques, this innovative method does not require a synthetic scaffold for cell growth.
After achieving promising results in rabbit models, the team plans to test their treatment method on a larger animal model before advancing to human clinical trials.
Murphy also mentions that the group is examining similar strategies for addressing significant defects in skeletal muscle and bone.
This research was supported by a private donation from the Shannon family, contributing to the Musculoskeletal Regeneration Partnership, the National Institute on Aging (award number F30AG077748), and the UW-Madison Medical Scientist Training Program.
