Type Of Media：全国紙
Publication/Magazine/Media：読売新聞
mRNA for knee pain prevents cartilage wear; Tokyo Medical and Dental University and other teams to conduct clinical trials...first practical application in orthopedics.
Summary:
Prof. Keiji Itaka and his research team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, part of R&D Theme 3, are planning a clinical trial using messenger RNA (mRNA) for patients with osteoarthritis, a condition prevalent among the elderly. This disease causes wear and tear of the knee cartilage, leading to pain and mobility issues, which can shorten the healthy lifespan of older adults. The research team aims to conduct a new regenerative medicine trial using mRNA to enhance the function of knee cartilage cells, with plans for approval and dissemination in the 2030s.
In the trial, a particle-form medication containing mRNA will be used, wrapped in a fine membrane to deliver it directly to the knee cells. Animal experiments have shown promising results in preventing cartilage wear and joint deformation. The trial will start with a small number of participants, and if safety is confirmed, the number will be increased to validate efficacy.
Professor Itaka hopes that using mRNA will alleviate the physical and economic burdens on patients, potentially allowing them to avoid future surgeries. mRNA pharmaceuticals can be produced in large quantities in a short time, and with the recent increase in research, Japan may gain an advantage in the international development competition.
