Stanford researchers found that inhibiting a protein called 15-PGDH can restore cartilage in older mice and in human tissue samples taken during joint surgeries. The protein, which accumulates with age, drives tissue degradation rather than healing. Rather than relying on stem cells, the treatment works by reverting existing cartilage cells to a more youthful state.
This is a notable shift from current osteoarthritis treatments, which focus entirely on managing pain rather than reversing tissue damage. However, the work has only been demonstrated in animals and lab-grown human samples, meaning a safe and effective drug for humans is still a long way off. We will need to see if this mechanism translates safely inside a living human joint before getting ahead of ourselves.
more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/10/261005011249.htm
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