Regenerating cartilage: an Italian study opens up innovative scenarios for the treatment of osteoarthritis

New hope in the fight against osteoarthritis, one of the most common and debilitating joint diseases in the world. A research team from the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa and the IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute in Bologna, in collaboration with European research centres and companies, has taken a promising step towards the development of regenerative therapies capable of restoring functionality and well-being to damaged joints.

The study, published in the prestigious scientific journal Biomaterials, is the final milestone of the European ADMAIORA project, coordinated by Leonardo Ricotti, professor of Bioengineering at the Sant'Anna School. The research team has demonstrated the potential of a cutting-edge therapeutic treatment that, through the combination of smart biomaterials and stem cells, reduces inflammation in the joint and regenerates cartilage tissue.

A year ago, the research group had already obtained encouraging results in vitro using human cells in the laboratory. Today, researchers have demonstrated in preclinical models that an injectable biomaterial loaded with stem cells and smart nanomaterials, combined with controlled ultrasound stimulation, promotes the regeneration of damaged arthritic tissue and an overall improvement in knee joint health.

‘This is an exciting result, confirming the potential of Italian research in the field of regenerative medicine technologies,’ comments Prof. Leonardo Ricotti of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies. "The results obtained in this study have confirmed the effectiveness of this therapeutic paradigm and offer hope for the future treatment of patients with osteoarthritis. At the same time, it is important to emphasise that years of study and new funding will still be needed before these discoveries can be translated into concrete therapies for patients."

Dr Matilde Tschon, a researcher at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, emphasises that ‘these significant achievements have been made possible thanks to the dedication of the researchers and doctors involved and the various skills brought to bear, confirming the value and importance of translational research, i.e. research carried out in a research hospital such as Rizzoli, also conducted throughout the country.’

Dr Gina Lisignoli, a researcher at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, adds: ‘In order to move on to the next phase of this important research, we are working to identify additional funding. The study has demonstrated the effectiveness and incredible potential of this combination treatment. The next step would be to plan a trial, i.e. a clinical study with patients.’

The ADMAIORA project is a virtuous example of European collaboration between universities, research centres and hospitals. The challenge now is to transform these scientific results into clinical solutions that can improve people's quality of life.