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Evaluation of Safety and Exploratory Efficacy of CARTISTEM®, a Cell Therapy Product for Articular Cartilage Defects

Evaluation of Safety and Exploratory Efficacy of CARTISTEM®, a Cell Therapy Product for Articular Cartilage Defects: A Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial in Patients With Focal, Full-thickness Grade 3-4 Articular Cartilage Defects of the Knee

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01733186
Enrollment
12
Registered
2012-11-26
Start date
2013-01-07
Completion date
2017-08-29
Last updated
2026-01-29

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Degeneration Articular Cartilage Knee

Keywords

human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells, MSC, cartilage lesion, cartilage defect, degenerative arthritis, stem cell implantation

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether CARTISTEM, a cell therapeutic product, is safe and effective in the treatment of articular cartilage defects of the knee as a result of ageing, trauma, or degenerative diseases.

Detailed description

Conventional treatment modalities have not been able to provide complete and sustained resolution of symptoms following damage to the articular cartilage. Despite the numerous techniques available today, complete healing of damaged or defective cartilage or consistent reproduction of normal hyaline cartilage does not occur, and continuous drug administration or secondary surgeries are common. Research in mesenchymal stem cells has had a rapid acceleration over the past decade and MSC-based therapy has become one of the objects of investigation for a new branch of medicine termed regenerative medicine. This emerging technology shows great promise for producing transplantable cartilage constructs to restore the function of degenerated joints. CARTISTEM®, a combination of human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells and sodium hyaluronate, is intended to be used as a single-dose cellular therapeutic agent for cartilage regeneration in human subjects with cartilage defects of the knee as a result of ageing, trauma, or degenerative diseases.

Interventions

BIOLOGICALCARTISTEM®

Sponsors

Medipost, Inc.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Patients with an intended- to- treat single focal, full-thickness cartilage defect (ICRS \[International Cartilage Repair Society\] Grade 3 or 4) of the knee as a result of ageing, trauma, or degenerative diseases. * Age ≥ 18 years old * Size of the articular cartilage lesion is ≥ 2 cm2 * Swelling, tenderness and active range of motion ≤ Grade II * Joint pain : 20-mm - 60-mm on VAS (Visual Analog Scale) at the time of Screening * Appropriate blood coagulation, kidney and liver function laboratory parameters: PT(INR) \< 1.5, APTT \<1.5×control Creatinine ≤ 2.0 mg/dL Albumin ≤ trace in urine dipstick test Bilirubin ≤ 2.0 mg/dL, AST/ALT ≤ 100 IU/L * Ligament instability ≤ Grade II * Lower extremity alignment within 5 degrees of the neutral weight bearing axis * No meniscal surgery within the past 3 months and more than 5mm of meniscal rim remaining * Ability and willingness to fully participate in the post-operative rehabilitation program * Subject is informed of the investigational nature of this study, voluntarily agrees to participate in the study, and signs an IRBapproved informed consent prior to performing any of the screening procedures * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

* Patients who have been treated previously and are asymptomatic * Avascular necrosis/ osteonecrosis * Autoimmune or inflammatory joint disease * History of infection within the past 6 weeks * Surgery or radiation therapy within the past 6 weeks * Serious medical co-morbidities, which would otherwise contraindicate surgery, as determined by the investigator * Currently pregnant or nursing * Psychotic diseases, epilepsy, or any history of such diseases * Current abuse of alcohol (\> 10 drinks weekly) and/or regular exposure to other substances of abuse, currently an active smoker * Chronic inflammatory articular diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis * Enrolled in any other clinical trials within the past 4 weeks * Administered immunosuppressants such as Cyclosporin A or azathioprine within the past 6 weeks * Ligament instability \> Grade II * Uncorrected significant lower extremity malalignment (i.e. \> 5 degrees) * (sub-) Total meniscectomy (\<5mm rim remaining) * Corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injection to the affected knee in the past 3 months * Principal investigator considers inappropriate for the clinical trial due to any reasons other than those listed above

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
IKDC Score12 monthsSubjects underwent a self-assessment of knee function using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee Assessment)subjective knee evaluation before and after the administration of the IP. The assessment is designed to detect improvement or deterioration in symptoms, function, and sports activities due to knee impairment. The possible score ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 = no limitation with daily or sporting activities and the absence of symptoms. The IKDC assessment was performed before IP administration and at Months 12 after IP administration in an exploratory fashion. The IKDC score from the Month 12 visit was used as a primary indicator of the post operative change. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount from the baseline.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
VAS24 monthsSubjects underwent a self-assessment of joint pain using the 100-mm VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) before and at Months 12 and 24 after IP (investigational product) administration. Higher values represent worse joint pain. Use of NSAIDs and any other analgesics had to be discontinued for 48 hours and 24 hours, respectively, prior to the 100 mm VAS evaluation. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Months 12 and 24 from the baseline. 100-mm VAS scores range from 0 to 100. Higher values represent worse joint pain.
Lysholm Score24 monthsThe Lysholm knee scoring scale is a self-assessment that rates the severity of common complaints related to knee problems, such as pain, swelling, abnormal sensations, and ability to squat or climb stairs. The possible score ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 = no symptoms or disability. Scores are categorized as excellent (95 to 100), good (84 to 94), fair (65 to 83), and poor (≤64). Subjects underwent a self-assessment of knee function using the Lysholm score before IP administration and at Months 12 and 24 after IP administration. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Months 12 and 24 from the baseline.
KOOS Score24 monthsThe Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) knee survey is a self assessment of knee function and knee-related quality of life (QOL). Subjects responded to each question regarding knee-related symptoms, swelling, pain, impaired function, or changes in QOL with 1 of 5 possible answers that range from "never/not at all" to "always/extremely." The possible score for each parameter ranges from 0 to 100, where 0=extreme problems and 100=no problems. Subjects completed the KOOS knee survey before IP (investigational product) administration and at Month 24 after IP administration. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Month 24 from the baseline.
IKDC Score24 monthsSubjects underwent a self-assessment of knee function using the IKDC subjective knee evaluation before and after the administration of the IP. The assessment is designed to detect improvement or deterioration in symptoms, function, and sports activities due to knee impairment. The possible score ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 = no limitation with daily or sporting activities and the absence of symptoms. The IKDC assessment was performed before IP administration and at Month 24 after IP administration in an exploratory fashion. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Month 24 from the baseline.

Countries

United States

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORBrian J Cole, MD

Cartilage Restoration Center, Rush University Medical Center

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAndreas H Gomoll, MD

Cartilage Repair Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Dose A Cohort
Drug name and ingredients: CARTISTEM \[allogeneic-unrelated, umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells, ex vivo cultured, combined with sodium hyaluronate\] Dosage: Administer 0.5 mL of the combination product per cm\^2 of the cartilage defect Cartilage defect size range: 2 to 5 cm2 (Dose A) CARTISTEM®
6
Dose B Cohort
Drug name and ingredients: CARTISTEM \[allogeneic-unrelated, umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells, ex vivo cultured, combined with sodium hyaluronate\] Dosage: Administer 0.5 mL of the combination product per cm\^2 of the cartilage defect Cartilage defect size range: above 5 cm2 (Dose B) CARTISTEM®
6
Total12

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicDose A CohortDose B CohortTotal
Age, Continuous36.3 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.2
39.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8
38.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.9
Body mass index28.6 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.1
26.6 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.5
27.6 kg/m^2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.3
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
6 Participants6 Participants12 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
5 Participants5 Participants10 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
6 participants6 participants12 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
1 Participants1 Participants2 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
5 Participants5 Participants10 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 60 / 6
other
Total, other adverse events
6 / 66 / 6
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 60 / 6

Outcome results

Primary

IKDC Score

Subjects underwent a self-assessment of knee function using the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee Assessment)subjective knee evaluation before and after the administration of the IP. The assessment is designed to detect improvement or deterioration in symptoms, function, and sports activities due to knee impairment. The possible score ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 = no limitation with daily or sporting activities and the absence of symptoms. The IKDC assessment was performed before IP administration and at Months 12 after IP administration in an exploratory fashion. The IKDC score from the Month 12 visit was used as a primary indicator of the post operative change. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount from the baseline.

Time frame: 12 months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose A CohortIKDC Score32.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 27.7
Dose B CohortIKDC Score25.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 18.9
Secondary

IKDC Score

Subjects underwent a self-assessment of knee function using the IKDC subjective knee evaluation before and after the administration of the IP. The assessment is designed to detect improvement or deterioration in symptoms, function, and sports activities due to knee impairment. The possible score ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 = no limitation with daily or sporting activities and the absence of symptoms. The IKDC assessment was performed before IP administration and at Month 24 after IP administration in an exploratory fashion. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Month 24 from the baseline.

Time frame: 24 months

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose A CohortIKDC Score41.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 25.8
Dose B CohortIKDC Score27.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.9
Secondary

KOOS Score

The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score (KOOS) knee survey is a self assessment of knee function and knee-related quality of life (QOL). Subjects responded to each question regarding knee-related symptoms, swelling, pain, impaired function, or changes in QOL with 1 of 5 possible answers that range from never/not at all to always/extremely. The possible score for each parameter ranges from 0 to 100, where 0=extreme problems and 100=no problems. Subjects completed the KOOS knee survey before IP (investigational product) administration and at Month 24 after IP administration. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Month 24 from the baseline.

Time frame: 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose A CohortKOOS ScorePAIN (24 MONTHS)23.6 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.3
Dose A CohortKOOS ScoreSPORTS (24 MONTHS)39.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 37.2
Dose A CohortKOOS ScoreQOL (24 MONTHS)50.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 36.4
Dose A CohortKOOS ScoreSYMPTOM (24 MONTHS)24.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.9
Dose A CohortKOOS ScoreADL (24 MONTHS)28.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 25.7
Dose B CohortKOOS ScoreSYMPTOM (24 MONTHS)8.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.3
Dose B CohortKOOS ScoreADL (24 MONTHS)12.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.2
Dose B CohortKOOS ScorePAIN (24 MONTHS)15.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13.1
Dose B CohortKOOS ScoreQOL (24 MONTHS)19.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 24.2
Dose B CohortKOOS ScoreSPORTS (24 MONTHS)36.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 31.9
Secondary

Lysholm Score

The Lysholm knee scoring scale is a self-assessment that rates the severity of common complaints related to knee problems, such as pain, swelling, abnormal sensations, and ability to squat or climb stairs. The possible score ranges from 0 to 100, where 100 = no symptoms or disability. Scores are categorized as excellent (95 to 100), good (84 to 94), fair (65 to 83), and poor (≤64). Subjects underwent a self-assessment of knee function using the Lysholm score before IP administration and at Months 12 and 24 after IP administration. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Months 12 and 24 from the baseline.

Time frame: 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose A CohortLysholm Score12 MONTHS26.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.5
Dose A CohortLysholm Score24 MONTHS32.0 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 20.9
Dose B CohortLysholm Score12 MONTHS22.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 18.3
Dose B CohortLysholm Score24 MONTHS10.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 13
Secondary

VAS

Subjects underwent a self-assessment of joint pain using the 100-mm VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) before and at Months 12 and 24 after IP (investigational product) administration. Higher values represent worse joint pain. Use of NSAIDs and any other analgesics had to be discontinued for 48 hours and 24 hours, respectively, prior to the 100 mm VAS evaluation. The outcome was presented with the post-operative change amount at Months 12 and 24 from the baseline. 100-mm VAS scores range from 0 to 100. Higher values represent worse joint pain.

Time frame: 24 months

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Dose A CohortVAS12 MONTHS-23.8 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 22.9
Dose A CohortVAS24 MONTHS-31.7 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 18
Dose B CohortVAS12 MONTHS-12.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 31.5
Dose B CohortVAS24 MONTHS-11.3 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 30.2

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026