Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common causes of pain and disability in older adults. For decades, treatment has focused on relieving symptoms—using painkillers, injections, or in severe cases, knee replacement surgery. But now, science is exploring a new frontier: living biopharmaceuticals based on stem cells.
What are “living biopharmaceuticals”?
These are treatments that use living cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissues. In KOA, scientists are particularly interested in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and even help regenerate cartilage.
MSCs can be obtained in two main ways:
- Autologous (AutoMSCs): taken from the patient’s own body, usually bone marrow or fat.
- Allogeneic (AlloMSCs): taken from healthy donors, often younger individuals, and prepared as ready-to-use treatments.
What does the new research show?
A recent systematic review and network meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Stem Cells looked at 19 clinical trials with 1,216 patients. It compared the safety and effectiveness of AlloMSCs vs AutoMSCs.
Here’s what they found:
Pain relief: Both treatments reduced pain, but AlloMSCs showed slightly better results.- Function: Patients receiving AlloMSCs had greater improvements in daily activities, stiffness, and mobility.
Side effects: AutoMSCs carried a higher risk of joint-related complications, while AlloMSCs were safer overall.
Practical advantage: AlloMSCs are “off-the-shelf” products, available when needed, unlike AutoMSCs which require harvesting and preparation from the patient.
Why does this matter?
The study suggests that allogeneic stem cells could be the future of regenerative therapy for knee osteoarthritis. They not only perform better but also solve many of the practical challenges of using a patient’s own cells.
However, the researchers caution that more direct, head-to-head trials are still needed before these therapies can be widely adopted.
Take-home message
We may be entering a new era where living cell therapies replace traditional drugs in the fight against osteoarthritis. While challenges remain, stem cell–based treatments are offering fresh hope for millions living with chronic knee pain.
Reference:
Safwan M, Bourgleh MS, Baroudi L, et al.
Entering the era of living biopharmaceuticals for treating knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
World J Stem Cells. 2025