Orthobiologics in 2025 and Beyond

Orthobiologics are biologic substances intended to enhance healing and treat a range of musculoskeletal pathologies. Commonly well-studied orthobiologics such as platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and micro-fragmented adipose tissue have more than 2 decades of scientific research and clinical use, although with variable outcomes. It is important to discuss both current utilization and future applications of the aforementioned orthobiologics while elucidating some novel orthobiologics with recent regulatory approval, and finally, those orthobiologics on the horizon and beyond. Orthopaedic applications of mesenchymal stem or stromal cells, cell-based cartilage implants, and perinatal cell-derived therapies all hold promise to treat a broad range of musculoskeletal ailments. The Biologic Association and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons are at the forefront of these emerging technologies, cooperating together on behalf of their membership to provide resources for the purpose of scientific discovery, clinical validation, and translation of novel orthobiologic therapies.