The efficacy of stem cells on cartilage is being evaluated in clinical trials.

Representing the first multicenter Phase II FDA observed randomized clinical trial (RCT) of its kind, Andrews Institute for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine announced the launch of a study evaluating a patient’s own stem cells to regenerate knee cartilage.

The study, conducted jointly with the Kuala Lumpur Sports Medicine Center in Malaysia, will be partly funded by the Malaysian government and will, said the announcement, attempt to duplicate the outcomes from treatments using the cartilage regeneration methods developed by Dr. Saw. "The whole concept of regenerating cartilage is totally different from what's being used now to treat damaged cartilage," he explained. "We are hoping this study will help the FDA evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of this clinical application."

Facilitating the study’s operations and administration will be the Andrews Research & Education Foundation. According to the group, the study could take as long as six years, but if the results show statistical significance, trials could be ended early. The not-for-profit Andrews Research & Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity that serves as the research and education wing of the Andrews Institute.

Characterized as the “cradle for musculoskeletal treatments and research,” Baptist Health Care opened the Andrews Institute in 2007, named for prominent orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, M.D.