Allogeneic Bone Marrow–Derived MSCs for Knee OA: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

Compare symptom and imaging outcomes of allogeneic BM-MSC versus hyaluronic acid in knee OA.

Methods

Participants were randomized to a single intra-articular allogeneic BM-MSC injection or hyaluronic acid. Outcomes included pain/function indices and MRI T2-mapping–based cartilage quality (PCI).

Key Results

• Pain/function: MSC group showed greater improvements at 6 and 12 months; HA group showed smaller, often non-significant changes.
• MRI cartilage quality (PCI): Significant improvement in the MSC group vs baseline; more modest change in HA.
• Safety: Procedure feasible with acceptable safety in the cohort.

Conclusion

In this RCT, allogeneic BM-MSC produced superior symptom and MRI-based cartilage quality improvements versus hyaluronic acid over 12 months.