Technology rationale for the development of CellularMatrix® A-CP-HA Kit, certified medical device allowing the combination of platelet rich plasma and hyaluronic acid for the treatment of osteoarthritis

Abstract

The composition of synovial fluid of patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) is altered with reduced concentration and molecular weight of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and augmentation of catabolic enzymes and inflammatory markers. Intra-Articular (IA) injections of exogenous HA aim to restore the rheological properties of the synovial fluid in the osteoarthritic joints. However, clinical studies have shown that the benefit of HA injections lasts only for around 6 months and that many patients don’t respond well to repeated course of HA treatment. On the other side, platelet rich plasma (PRP) IA injections have been shown to reduce pain and improve joint mobility, probably by modulating the expression of catabolic enzymes and inflammatory markers. As injections of HA and PRP use different pathway to alleviate symptoms in OA patients, the concept of combining these two treatments has emerged recently. In vitro evaluations and preliminary studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this new therapeutic approach for OA treatment. To meet the needs of medical practitioners that want to treat their patients with this new treatment option, an innovative medical device, the CellularMatrix A-CP-HA Kit, has been specifically designed. This device is the first certified medical device that allows the combination of PRP and HA in manner compliant with medical devices regulation and good clinical practice.