AzTrials
AzTrials

Osteo Arthritis KneePhase 1/2NCT04886960

pAF for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

A Phase 1/2 study testing Amniotic Fluid Injection in people with Osteo Arthritis Knee, run by University of Utah at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This is a Phase I/II Randomized Double-Blinded Standard of Care (Corticosteroid) vs. Sterile Amniotic Fluid for Osteoarthritis Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 70 years
Conditions the study is for
Osteo Arthritis Knee
What is being tested?
Amniotic Fluid Injection
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
8 Jul 2021to 31 Jan 2025
Phase
Phase 1/2
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 70 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients who are between the ages of 18-70 years
  • A confirmed diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis based on clinical and radiographic findings consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence Stage 2-3 disease
  • Patients who have failed conservative treatment (e.g. steroid, activity modification, therapy, etc.) within 3 months
  • Unilateral or bilateral chronic knee joint pain >4 months
  • Patients who are able to ambulate (i.e. not wheelchair bound)
  • Patient reported a typical pain of at least 4 out of 10 during the past week using VAS numeric pain scale (0-10)
  • Patients who are of childbearing potential must agree to use adequate contraception for 90 days after study drug injection

Who cannot join

  • Subjects who have had a previous injection (i.e. steroid, platelet rich plasma, or other) within the last 3 months
  • A focal chondral defect, defined by x-ray evaluation
  • BMI >40 as defined by NIH Clinical Guidelines Body Mass Index
  • Concurrent participation in another investigational trial involving systemic administration of agents (within the previous 30 days) or plans to participate in any other allogeneic stem cell therapy trial during the 12 month follow-up period
  • Clinical suspicion of infection at injection site
  • Any surgeries within 4 weeks, other than diagnostic surgery
Show all 18Show fewer
  • Insulin or self-reported non-insulin dependent diabetic evident of HgA1c ≥8% among known diabetics
  • Unable to consent to an English Language Consent Form
  • Frank mechanical issues (i.e. locking of the knee)
  • Workman's Compensation cases
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Patients with a known allergy to local anesthetics or components of the study drug (pAF or steroid injection)
  • Patients with vascular claudication or neurologic disorders affecting the index lower limb
  • Patients with inflammatory arthropathies or connective tissue disorders; or
  • Patients with known alcohol or drug abuse or dependence, recreational use of illicit drug or prescription medications, or have used medical marijuana within 7 days of study enrollment
  • Patients with history of active cancer/malignancy within 2 years of screening, apart from adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin not associated with the target knee
  • Women who are nursing or pregnant
  • Patients of childbearing potential who are unwilling to use adequate contraception for 90 days after study drug injection

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Utah Orthopedic Center

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Phase I/II Randomized Double-Blinded Standard of Care (Corticosteroid) vs. Sterile Amniotic Fluid for Osteoarthritis

This is a Phase I/II Randomized Double-Blinded Standard of Care (Corticosteroid) vs. Sterile Amniotic Fluid for Osteoarthritis

Read the detailed description

This study will look at blinded standard of care (SOC) steroid injection vs. amniotic fluid injection (pAF) to treat and reduce osteoarthritis (OA) inflammation and pain. The main objectives of this study are to establish the safety and tolerability of allogeneic intra-articular pAF injections. Secondary objectives include pain levels and functional outcome scoring in patients over a 12 month time frame.

Being tested
Amniotic Fluid Injection, Standard of Care
Keywords
Amniotic Fluid, Osteo Arthritis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Amniotic Fluid InjectionBiological

    Also called Processed Amniotic Fluid, pAF, Human Amniotic Fluid, hAF

    Comparison of Standard of Care (Corticosteroid) injection vs. Sterile Processed Amniotic Fluid Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis

  • Standard of CareOther

    Also called Corticosteriods 3ml, one time dose

    Comparison of Standard of Care (Corticosteroid) injection vs. Sterile Processed Amniotic Fluid Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis

Study groups in NCT04886960
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Amniotic Fluid InjectionExperimentalAmniotic Fluid Injection, 3ml, one time dose.
Receives: Biological: Amniotic Fluid Injection
Standard of Care Steroid InjectionActive comparatorCorticosteroids, 3ml, one time dose.
Receives: Other: Standard of Care

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Repeat Allogeneic Intra-articular Injection Within 6 Months.

    Participants in both the SOC and pAF treatment arms may require and/or request rescue medication (i.e. SOC injection) at any time and will be given per PI discretion as part of standard of care. The clinicians will not know which study arm the study participant is in but will treat the participant with the SOC injection. This information will be documented and collected in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR), as well as the study's electronic data capture system. Participants will not be given any additional pAF injections throughout the study period.

    The participant will continue to be treated with SOC injections as needed. The outcome will be an indicator of whether or not a subject received a rescue medication within 6 months.

    Measured: 6 months

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)

    Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) [assessment of joint symptoms, pain, and function on a scale from 0 to 100]. With higher scores representing better symptoms, pain and function.

    Measured: 6 months

  2. Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS Pain)

    Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS), measured on a scale of 0 to 10. With 0 being no pain at all and 10 being the most pain possible.

    Measured: 6 months

  3. Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE)

    Self-reported functional outcomes were evaluated throughout the study period using the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) [scored as a percentage of normal for the affected joint on a scale from 0-100%]. With higher values representing higher levels of function.

    Measured: 6 months

  4. Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test (PF-CAT)

    Self-reported functional outcomes were evaluated using the PROMIS Physical Function Computer Adaptive Test [self-report of capabilities related to activities of daily living scored from 0 to 100]. With higher values representing higher levels of function.

    Measured: 6 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted14 May 2021
  2. Study start8 Jul 2021
  3. Primary completion31 Jan 2025
  4. Study completion31 Jan 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 1/2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator
Enrolment
60 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04886960
Sponsor's protocol ID
128491
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
29 Apr 2021
Last updated
27 Mar 2026
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Kotlarz H, Gunnarsson CL, Fang H, Rizzo JA. Insurer and out-of-pocket costs of osteoarthritis in the US: evidence from national survey data. Arthritis Rheum. 2009 Dec;60(12):3546-53. doi: 10.1002/art.24984.

    PubMed 19950287
  • Underwood MA, Gilbert WM, Sherman MP. Amniotic fluid: not just fetal urine anymore. J Perinatol. 2005 May;25(5):341-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.jp.7211290.

    PubMed 15861199
  • Prusa AR, Marton E, Rosner M, Bernaschek G, Hengstschlager M. Oct-4-expressing cells in human amniotic fluid: a new source for stem cell research? Hum Reprod. 2003 Jul;18(7):1489-93. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deg279.

    PubMed 12832377
  • Bottai D, Cigognini D, Nicora E, Moro M, Grimoldi MG, Adami R, Abrignani S, Marconi AM, Di Giulio AM, Gorio A. Third trimester amniotic fluid cells with the capacity to develop neural phenotypes and with heterogeneity among sub-populations. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2012;30(1):55-68. doi: 10.3233/RNN-2011-0620.

    PubMed 22377907
  • Johnson, H.L., Peritoneal Immunization. The American Journal of Surgery, 1936. 34(2): p. 266-271

  • Shimberg, M., The Use of Amniotic Fluid Concentrate in Orthopedic Conditions. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1938(20): p. 167-177

  • Ismail MA, Salti GI, Moawad AH. Effect of amniotic fluid on bacterial recovery and growth: clinical implications. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 1989 Aug;44(8):571-7. doi: 10.1097/00006254-198908000-00001. No abstract available.

    PubMed 2668811
  • Ojo VA, Okpere EE, Obaseiki-Ebor EE. Antimicrobial properties of amniotic fluid from some Nigerian women. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 1986 Apr;24(2):97-101. doi: 10.1016/0020-7292(86)90002-0.

    PubMed 2874087
  • Siggers J, Ostergaard MV, Siggers RH, Skovgaard K, Molbak L, Thymann T, Schmidt M, Moller HK, Purup S, Fink LN, Frokiaer H, Boye M, Sangild PT, Bering SB. Postnatal amniotic fluid intake reduces gut inflammatory responses and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2013 May 15;304(10):G864-75. doi: 10.1152/ajpgi.00278.2012. Epub 2013 Mar 21.

    PubMed 23518680
  • Ozgenel GY, Filiz G, Ozcan M. Effects of human amniotic fluid on cartilage regeneration from free perichondrial grafts in rabbits. Br J Plast Surg. 2004 Jul;57(5):423-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2003.12.021.

    PubMed 15191823
  • Ozgenel GY, Filiz G. Combined application of human amniotic membrane wrapping and hyaluronic acid injection in epineurectomized rat sciatic nerve. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2004 Feb;20(2):153-7. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-820772.

    PubMed 15011124
  • Karacal N, Kosucu P, Cobanglu U, Kutlu N. Effect of human amniotic fluid on bone healing. J Surg Res. 2005 Dec;129(2):283-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2005.03.026.

    PubMed 15916770
  • Castro-Combs J, Noguera G, Cano M, Yew M, Gehlbach PL, Palmer J, Behrens A. Corneal wound healing is modulated by topical application of amniotic fluid in an ex vivo organ culture model. Exp Eye Res. 2008 Jul;87(1):56-63. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2008.04.010. Epub 2008 Apr 30.

    PubMed 18555991
  • Nyman E, Huss F, Nyman T, Junker J, Kratz G. Hyaluronic acid, an important factor in the wound healing properties of amniotic fluid: in vitro studies of re-epithelialisation in human skin wounds. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2013 Apr;47(2):89-92. doi: 10.3109/2000656X.2012.733169. Epub 2013 Jan 29.

    PubMed 23356944
  • Weissenbacher T, Laubender RP, Witkin SS, Gingelmaier A, Schiessl B, Kainer F, Friese K, Jeschke U, Dian D, Karl K. Influence of maternal age, gestational age and fetal gender on expression of immune mediators in amniotic fluid. BMC Res Notes. 2012 Jul 24;5:375. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-375.

    PubMed 22827842

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 1/2 study testing Amniotic Fluid Injection in people with Osteo Arthritis Knee, run by University of Utah at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 18 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this combined phase mean?

Phase 1 studies test a treatment in a small group of people for the first time or in a new way, mainly to check safety and find the right dose.

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 27 Mar 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Repeat Allogeneic Intra-articular Injection Within 6 Months. (time frame: 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04886960, which also lists 19 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in