Abu Dhabi Revolutionizes Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Abu Dhabi opens a new era in knee osteoarthritis treatment: first stem cell therapy trial successfully concluded

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, has once again made its mark on the global medical map: the first groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at treating patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis has successfully concluded. The research was led by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) in collaboration with Swedish biotechnology company Cellcolabs and Burjeel Holdings.

Why is this trial special?

The trial aimed to test an innovative, stem cell-based therapy called StromaForte in cases of knee osteoarthritis. This cell therapy uses Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), which are naturally present in our bodies and capable of identifying tissues subjected to stress or injury, initiating regeneration processes instead of merely replacing damaged cells.

In the clinical trial, patients received a single dose of 50 million MSCs via an ultrasound-guided injection directly into the problematic knee joint. The stem cells were sourced from carefully selected healthy donors aged 18–30 and aimed at reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and regenerating cartilage tissues, potentially offering an alternative to surgical interventions.

Encouraging results in the first phase

The first phase of the trial took place between November 2023 and October 2024, at the Burjeel Medical City and Burjeel Hospital facilities. The key milestone, proving the safety of the treatment, has already been achieved, and confirmed by an independent safety monitoring committee.

According to participants' reports, their level of pain noticeably decreased—measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)—and their quality of life improved, with movements becoming easier and everyday activities more comfortable. Importantly, no serious side effects were observed in participants.

The next step: efficacy studies and MRI results

The next phase will examine the long-term efficacy of the stem cell therapy. Detailed MRI scans have been taken, which are expected to be presented in April 2025 during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week. This step will help to gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of StromaForte and assess whether it can truly reverse the damage caused by osteoarthritis in the long term.

Abu Dhabi – a new center for medical innovation

Behind the successful trial is not only technological expertise and international cooperation but also Abu Dhabi's increasingly efficient healthcare regulatory system that promotes the expansion of regenerative medicine and precision therapies.

The health authority aims to create an ecosystem that supports innovation while adhering to the strictest ethical and safety standards. This strategy positions Abu Dhabi as not only a regional but a global leader in medical research and development.

What does this mean for patients?

Knee osteoarthritis is currently a common problem, especially among the older population, often requiring surgical intervention. The new stem cell-based treatment may offer a non-invasive yet effective therapeutic alternative in the future for those suffering from pain but wishing to avoid prosthetic surgery or lengthy rehabilitation.

Summary

The successfully concluded clinical trial in Abu Dhabi is a promising milestone in the field of regenerative medicine and stem cell-based therapies. The StromaForte treatment has proven not only to be safe but has also brought real improvement in patients' quality of life. In light of further research and results, this therapy may open new horizons in the treatment of osteoarthritis—not only in Abu Dhabi but worldwide.

(The article is sourced from the official statement of The Department of Health — Abu Dhabi.)