Success Story:ViscoCell™Advancing Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis

ViscoCell microscopy

Challenge

A leading research group was exploring the use of multipotent stem cells (MSCs) to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA). Traditional intra-articular injections of cells suffer from rapid clearance and limited retention within the joint space, reducing therapeutic efficacy. The team needed a delivery solution that could enhance cell survival, improve localization, and provide consistent exposure within the joint environment—without triggering immune rejection or causing inflammation.

Solution

Likarda’s ViscoCell™ hydrogel microspheres were selected as a platform for encapsulating stem cells. The Core-Shell Spherification® (CSS®) process enabled the generation of uniform, injectable microspheres designed to protect the cells while allowing for paracrine signaling and nutrient exchange. The microspheres were customized for optimal mechanical stability, degradation rate, and injectability for the intra-articular setting.

ControlNo Treatment

Osteoarthritic joints in animals show a bone-on-bone condition without cartilage (stained red) resulting in a painful joint.
Osteoarthritic joints in animals show a bone-on-bone condition without cartilage (stained red) resulting in a painful joint.

Stem Cells AloneCurrent Standard

Four weeks after stem cells are injected, some new cartilage is formed, but not enough to have an effect so that the joint is still bone-on-bone.
Four weeks after stem cells are injected, some new cartilage is formed, but not enough to have an effect so that the joint is still bone-on-bone.

Encapsulated Stem CellsViscoCell™ by Likarda

When the same number of stem cells are injected into the joint, but were first trapped by Likarda’s ViscoCell™, there is complete regeneration of the joint with healthy cartilage.
When the same number of stem cells are injected into the joint, but were first trapped by Likarda’s ViscoCell™, there is complete regeneration of the joint with healthy cartilage.

Outcome

In a preclinical rat model of OA, encapsulated cells delivered using ViscoCell™ showed greater joint retention, reduced inflammation, and decreased progression of cartilage degradation compared to unencapsulated controls during the 6 week experiment. This demonstrated the ability of ViscoCell™ to enhance the durability and therapeutic impact of stem cell treatments—supporting its use as a platform for non-surgical, cell-based therapies in musculoskeletal disorders.

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Stem Cells in Likarda’s Controlled Release Delivery Bead are still present after 7 days.
Stem Cells in Likarda’s Controlled Release Delivery Bead are still present after 7 days.
Circular line illustrations highlighting small cells and an Erlenmeyer flask.
CSS® Encapsulation Equipment
Likarda’s (CSS®) technology engineered for in-house teams to encapsulate their own products with precision and scalability.
Learn more about CSS® Encapsulation Equipment
Circular line illustrations highlighting microscopic cell photography.
ViscoCell™
Injectable stem cell hydrogel for joint and soft tissue repair.
Learn more about ViscoCell™