Clinical-grade iPSC-derived chondrogenic micropellets for treating advanced cartilage defects
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived chondrogenic tissues represent a promising alternative for treating cartilage defects in chronic degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). Cartilage tissue has limited self-repair capacity, and although allogeneic transplantation has potential, a less invasive delivery method could enhance the efficacy of cell-based therapies. The aim of this study was to develop iPSC-derived "minimal injectable unit" chondrogenic micropellets (MIUChons) for delivery via intra-articular injections for OA therapy. To create transplantable allogeneic cartilage tissue, we optimized good manufacturing practice or clinical-grade production of iPSC-derived injectable chondrogenic spheroids and tested them in OA animal models. MIUChons were delivered to damaged cartilage through a single injection. In vivo and in vitro analyses demonstrated that MIUChon treatment effectively reduced cartilage degeneration and deterioration. In addition, injecting MIUChons into the intra-articular cavity improved arthritis symptoms. Overall, MIUChons offer a strategy for treating cartilage deterioration via intra-articular injection in patients with OA.
Source: Science Advances
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funders: National Research Foundation, Catholic University of Korea, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea
OpenAlex ID: W4417439457