A new hope in the fight against osteoarthritis, one of the most widespread and disabling joint diseases in the world. A research team from the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies - Pisa and the IRCCS Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute in Bologna, in collaboration with research centers and European companies, has taken a promising step toward developing regenerative therapies capable of restoring function and well-being to damaged joints.

The study, published in the prestigious scientific journal Biomaterials, represents the final milestone of the European ADMAIORA project, coordinated by Leonardo Ricotti, professor of Bioengineering at Sant'Anna School. The research team was able to demonstrate the potential of a state-of-the-art therapeutic treatment that, through the combination of smart biomaterials and stem cells, reduces inflammatory levels of the joint and regenerates cartilage tissue.

Already a year ago, the Team had achieved 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 arthrotic tissue and an overall improvement in knee joint health.

“This is an exciting result, which confirms the potential of Italian research in the field of technologies for regenerative medicine – comments Prof. Leonardo Ricotti of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies – The results obtained in this study confirmed the effectiveness of this therapeutic paradigm, and open hopes for the future care of patients with osteoarthritis. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that years of research and new funding will be needed before these discoveries can translate into concrete therapies for patients.”

Dr. Matilde Tschon, a researcher at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, emphasizes that “these significant milestones were achieved thanks to the dedication of the researchers and doctors involved and the different expertise deployed, demonstrating the value and importance of translational research, that is, research conducted at a research hospital like Rizzoli, also conducted nationwide”.

And Dr. Gina Lisignoli, a researcher at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, adds: “To move on to the next phase of this important research, we are working to identify other funds. The study conducted demonstrated the effectiveness and incredible potential of this combined treatment, the next step would be to plan a trial, that is, a clinical study with patients”.

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