Knees next for Mesoblast

Preclinical trials conducted by Mesoblast [ASX: MSB] have shown that the company's adult stem cells are capable of regenerating damaged knee cartilage in a post-menopausal osteoarthritis large animal model.

A single injection of adult stem cells was able to repair and regenerate knee cartilage in ewes with well established osteoarthritis even though the cells were administered three months after initial joint damage.

This effect has yet to be demonstrated by any competing products on the market, the company said.

Mesoblast executive director Professor Silviu Itescu said the results meant the company would now target both post-menopausal and post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis for product commercialisation.