NCT03588975 · Vericel Corporation
A Study of MACI in Patients Aged 10 to 17 Years With Symptomatic Chondral or Osteochondral Defects of the Knee
(PEAK)
What this study is about
The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of MACI® vs arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of patients aged 10 to 17 years with symptomatic articular chondral or osteochondral defects of the knee.
View original scientific description
The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of MACI® vs arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of patients aged 10 to 17 years with symptomatic articular chondral or osteochondral defects of the knee.
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
MACI
autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane
PROCEDURE
microfracture
Arthroscopic microfracture treatment
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of Participants Who Achieve ≥ 10-point Improvement From Baseline in KOOS-Child Pain and Function (Sports and Recreational Activities) Subscale Scores
Time frame: Baseline and Week 104
A responder is defined as a participant with ≥ 10-point change (improvement) in both the KOOS-Child Pain and Function (Sports and Recreational activities) scores from Baseline scores. The Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Children (KOOS-Child) is a validated knee-specific instrument developed to assess the participant's opinion of their knee and associated problems. KOOS consists of 5 subscales: Pain, Function in sports and recreational activities, other Symptoms, Function in activities of daily living (ADL), and knee related Quality of life (QOL).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Symptomatic cartilage or osteochondral defects
- One or more International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) Grade III or IV chondral or unsalvageable osteochondral defects located on the femoral condyles and/or trochlea amenable to treatment with the surgical procedure determined at randomization (MACI or microfracture).
- Concurrent ICRS Grade I and II defects are acceptable on the tibia if they remain untreated (or are treated with debridement only) at the time of study treatment.
- Participants with a potentially re-attachable osteochondral fragment, identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and that has not previously been repaired, may be consented to the study and undergo baseline assessments per protocol and prior to confirmatory arthroscopy (Visit 2). At arthroscopy, an attempt will be made to reattach the osteochondral fragment. If this is successful, the participant will be excluded from the study and deemed an intra-operative screen failure. If the attempted reattachment fails and no other
Exclusion criteria
- apply, the participant may continue in the PEAK study: a MACI biopsy will be taken, the participant will be randomized and treated per protocol.
- At least 1 defect size ≥1.5 cm2 on the patella, femoral condyles and/or the trochlea; defects include OCD lesions with a bone lesion depth of ≤6 mm and does not require a bone graft.
- Salvageable OCD lesions must have failed prior conservative and a reparative treatment, and the participant still experiences pain associated with the osteochondral lesion. Participants with defects as a result of trauma or unknown etiology are eligible regardless of prior treatments.
- Stable target knee (i.e., anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments should be free of laxity as well as stable and intact). Ligament repair or reconstruction procedures are allowed prior to screening arthroscopy.
- Intact meniscus or partial meniscus (at least 50% of functional meniscus remaining) in the target knee. Meniscal repair or resection might be performed either staged or concurrent with the cartilage repair procedure provided that the surgeon was able to confirm that at least 50% of functional meniscus would remain after the corrective meniscal treatment.
- Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria:
- Any surgery on the target knee joint within 6 months prior to Screening (not including diagnostic arthroscopy)
- Previous investigational drug or device use within 3 months prior to Screening
- Avascular necrosis of the target knee (other than potential OCD lesion to be treated)
- Participants with uninvolved open growth plates where the surgery necessitates crossing the growth plate, or where the depth of the lesion crosses the growth plate
- ICRS Grade III or IV chondral or unsalvageable osteochondral defects located on the tibia or any lesion that is bipolar to the index lesion
- Malalignment requiring concurrent osteotomy to correct tibial-femoral or patella-femoral alignment (prior guided growth treatment is not exclusionary)
- Symptomatic musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limbs that could impede measurement of efficacy for the target knee joint
- Concomitant inflammatory disease or other conditions that affects the joints (eg, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic bone disease, psoriasis, symptomatic chondrocalcinosis)
- Known history of septic arthritis in the index knee joint
- Current malignancy or treatment for malignancy within the past 5 years
- Known history of hypersensitivity to gentamicin, other aminoglycosides, or products of porcine or bovine origin
- Females who are pregnant or lactating
- Participants who, in the opinion of the Investigator, have significant medical or psychosocial problems that warrant exclusion. Examples of significant problems included but are not limited to:
- Any condition that has potential for negatively impacting intra or postoperative course
- Conditions that limit compliance with rehabilitation program
- Any condition that has potential for significantly limiting participant's ability to assess postoperative knee function
- Any condition, psychiatric or otherwise, that would preclude informed consent/assent, consistent follow-up, or compliance with any aspect of the study
- Participant is currently abusing drugs or alcohol or, in the opinion of the Investigator, at high risk for poor compliance
Where
- Palo Alto, California
- Sacramento, California
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- The Bronx, New York
- Akron, Ohio
- Columbus, Ohio
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Houston, Texas
- Plano, Texas
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations