The below summarizes relevant information for investigator(s) to consider the use of Allogenic Human Amniotic Fluid product in a clinical protocol detailing study design and conduct for a phase I/II randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of NANOVAE injected intra-articularly in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The IB will be reviewed annually and amended when further information becomes available.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joints that affects millions of people worldwide, yet its exact causes are not fully understood. Middle-aged to elderly individuals are often the most impacted by OA, which primarily affects the knee, hip, spine, and joints in the fingers. Among these, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common form, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced functionality, and it is a major contributor to chronic bone and muscle pain. It is also a leading cause of disability in adults who are not living in institutions. Treatment for KOA is challenging due to its resistance to medications, procedures, and surgeries. The primary objective is to alleviate pain and enhance overall function. However, since there is currently no cure for OA, the need for an effective therapy remains urgent. Healthcare professionals often encounter patients whose pain may result from an inflammatory response triggered by injury or disease. Research suggests that regenerative medicine, utilizing techniques like stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amniotic fluid, and cytokine modulation, holds promise for treating KOA.
OA is associated with an increase in pro-inflammatory substances such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokine-inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These inflammatory agents affect various cell types within the affected joints, including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, synoviocytes, and macrophages. Some miRNAs, which are downregulated in OA, have been identified as protective factors. For example, miR-130 helps regulate TNF- levels, while miR-149 controls several inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-. The breakdown of the cartilage matrix is a key characteristic of OA. MMP-13, a member of the MMP family, plays a significant role in degrading the collagen network during OA development. Several miRNAs, including miR-27b, miR-27a, miR-148a, miR-320, miR-127-5p, and miR-411, are downregulated in OA and target the mRNA of this proteinase. It is important to note that a single miRNA can regulate multiple target genes associated with OA progression. For instance, miR-105 and miR-148, both downregulated in OA, target genes such as Runx2, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, ADAMTS7, ADAMTS12, MMP-13, and COL10, implying their potential protective roles.
Several studies have shown a link between certain miRNAs, aging, and the progression of OA. For example, miR-320c is downregulated in aging OA samples and regulates ADAMTS5, suggesting that this miRNA may serve as a protective factor by enhancing chondrogenesis.