Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for osteoarthritis: a pilot study with long-term follow-up and repeated injections

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and therapeutic potential of autologous human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs) in patients with osteoarthritis. Materials & methods: Safety and efficacy of haMSCs were preclinically assessed in vitro and in BALB/c-nu nude mice. 18 patients were enrolled and divided into three dose groups: the low-dose, mid-dose and high-dose group (1x10(7), 2x10(7) and 5x10(7) cells, respectively), provided three injections and followed up for 96 weeks. Results & Conclusion: The preclinical study established the safety and efficacy of haMSCs. Intra-articular injections of haMSCs were safe and improved pain, function and cartilage volume of the knee joint, rendering them a promising novel treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The dosage of 5x10(7) haMSCs exhibited the highest improvement (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01809769).