Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Current Clinical Status and Future Potential

Mesenchymal exosomes may offer a nonsurgical therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Currently, there is no peer reviewed clinical research to support the widespread use of exosomes for treating patients with KOA. In the United States, exosomes are regulated as a drug by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). There is no current FDA approved treatment indication for exosomes, and so clinicians in the United States cannot buy, sell, or use exosomes for human use. Regardless, the potential utility of exosomes as an injection treatment option for KOA is compelling and merits further clinical research.