autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (CHU Montpellier)

This investigational autologous cell therapy consists of mesenchymal stromal cells (ASCs) derived from the patient's own adipose tissue. Developed by **University Hospital Montpellier (CHU Montpellier)** in collaboration with several European institutions, the therapy involves harvesting fat via liposuction, expanding the cells ex vivo in culture, and re-injecting them into the affected joint. The therapy was primarily evaluated in the **ADIPOA-2** Phase 2b randomized controlled trial for the treatment of mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. The cells are intended to exert therapeutic effects through regenerative, trophic, paracrine, and immunomodulatory properties, aiming to address cartilage damage and synovial inflammation. However, the Phase 2b trial, which concluded in 2022, found that the treatment did not significantly improve pain or function compared to a saline placebo.

Other names

autologous adipose-derived stem cellsCHU Montpellier ASCs