Medscape reports that orthobiologics are a rapidly advancing area in orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Derived from biologic substances, these treatments are used to help relieve pain associated with orthopedic conditions, potentially delaying the need for joint replacement surgery. They can also assist in healing after orthopedic surgery. Although several orthobiologics have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), none have specific indications and therefore are not covered by insurance, leaving these treatments out of reach for many patients. 

The medical device company Lipogems is currently conducting two Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) studies in the United States for the use of microfragmented adipose tissue (MFat) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA).  Tsun Sean Law, MD, director of clinical research at HSS Florida, discusses the two IDE trials, called ARISE and ARISE2, and other orthobiologics being explored as treatments for OA.

Read the full article at medscape.com.