Scientists restore knee cartilage using targeted injection

Scientists have developed an experimental inhibitor that successfully regenerated knee cartilage in aged mice, offering a potential alternative to arthritis and prosthetics. The inhibitor, which blocks an age-linked protein, led to cartilage regrowth in mice even when they were already old. Human knee tissue exposed to the same blocker also showed signs of new cartilage formation. The study suggests that this approach could provide a new treatment option for knee osteoarthritis, which affects about one in five adults in the United States and leads to significant direct medical costs. The research, published in Science, highlights the potential of targeted injections to delay joint replacement and improve quality of life for those suffering from knee-related issues.