Proof-of-concept_ sonography biomarkers of Arthrosamid knee injection

This is a small proof-of-concept project, via a consultancy mechanism, to develop a relationship with a new commercial partner and a local orthopaedic surgeon. Identifying an imaging biomarker should facilitate follow-on funding.

Arthrosamid is an injectable hydrogel that is being used in the UK private healthcare sector as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis. The product is licenced for use and has some limited clinical outcome data, however, detailed evaluation as to the proposed mechanism of action is lacking. We propose that we can quantify the anti-inflammatory effect in the knee joint via MSK ultrasound imaging, however there is no precedence as to imaging the knee with this therapeutic injection, thus the initial proof-of-concept focus.

In this work, we we will recruit 5 participants from the clinic of Mr Graeme Hopper and invite them to our ultrasound imaging facility at GCU for a scan prior to and following treatment to explore sonography markers of inflammation and joint function.