NCT06451120 · University of California, San Francisco
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections In Young And Old Human Subjects
(PRP-KOBE)
What this study is about
This is a randomly assigned, where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given, compared against an inactive treatment phase 2 study with a secondary crossover phase at the end of the initial trial to ensure all subjects receive one PRP injection.
View original scientific description
This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study with a secondary crossover phase at the end of the initial trial to ensure all subjects receive one PRP injection. The goal is to identify what proteins change in the blood following repeated intraarticular knee PRP injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The objective is to determine the protein changes resulting from a single autologous PRP injection (5 mL) in comparison to a normal saline control. About 60 subjects will take part in this study by two age groups at UCSF into the following arms: Arm A: PRP injection; Arm B: normal saline injection control. The study aims to demonstrate what benefits PRP has on knee osteoarthritis and methods to best achieve biologic effects. Subjects with a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis ages 18-45 and 46-70 years old presenting to a University Based sports medicine clinic will be screened for potential eligibility. Subjects who meet all qualifying requirements will be recruited from UCSF's orthopedic and primary care clinics. Subjects will be on study for up to 26 weeks Screening: up to 14 days Treatment: injection of PRP or normal saline; subjects can cross over at week 12 to a PRP if originally in the control injection group Follow-up: 2 weeks post-baseline injection, 12 weeks postbaseline, (14 weeks if crossover patient), 26 weeks.
Interventions
DRUG
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Bloods will be drawn prior to the PRP injection, and repeated at 2 weeks, 12 weeks, possibly 14 weeks for crossover patients follow up visits. Under aseptic technique with a surgical drape/curtain in place to block the study subject's view of the knee. Syringes will be covered with aluminum foil and subjects will have a cover over their eyes, so that neither subjects nor the clinical investigator will know if the injection delivered is PRP injection or a normal saline injection
DEVICE
Centrifuge
The Eppendorf Centrifuge is used to make the PRP. In our opinion, the centrifuge is a nonsignificant risk device. The centrifuge, sterile vials for blood collection and PRP injection syringes do not present a potential risk for serious health, safety or welfare of a subject. It is not needed to support or sustain human life. It is not of substantial importance in diagnosis, curing, mitigating or treating disease for the health, safety and welfare of the patients. There are no potential for serious risk to the health, safety or welfare of a subject.
DRUG
Control saline injection
A placebo injection of 6 mL of 0.9% saline will be prepared by the unblinded research assistant in an adjacent room. The syringed will be prepared in a 10 mL syringe and covered with Aluminum foil, such that the investigator performing the injection cannot tell if there is PRP or saline to be injected.
Primary outcome measures
Identify Protein Changes in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Time frame: 2 weeks
The protein changes from a single autologous PRP injection (5 mL) vs normal saline control, using proteomic analysis of' venous blood samples. For proteomic analysis of Platelet poor plasma (PPP) and PRP, the samples will undergo quantitative mass spectrometry, with higher numbers indicating more proteins and lower numbers meaning less proteins.
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
- Grade 1-3 KL score will be recruited;
- Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis for at least 3 months before presentation in one knee;
- Have symptomatic complaints from osteoarthritis pain in no other joint affecting the hips, ankles or unaffected knee;
- Will be able to attend and perform physical therapy.
- English-speaking
Exclusion criteria
- 1\. Patients will be excluded if:
- Received injection therapy for knee osteoarthritis in the past 6 months
- Have signs of concomitant osteoarthritis of 1 or more other major joints of the lower extremities that impair their daily activity level
- History of septic arthritis
- Have underwent a previous knee surgery specifically for osteoarthritis or osteochondral defects less than 1 year before randomization (i.e. autograft or allograft surgery
- High tibial osteotomy, partial knee replacement, patellar resurfacing), total knee replacement or existing surgical hardware in the knee
- Patient with platelet disorders, bleeding disorder
- Patient with rheumatologic disease, automimmune disorder, immunocompromised status, active history of cancer
- Patient taking Chemotherapy, need for regular prednisone or antiinflammatory used
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study.
- Uncontrolled illness, physical disability, or other contraindication to aerobic exercise training including, but not limited to: i. Acute myocardial Infarction (within 5 days of any planned study procedure); ii. Unstable angina; iii. Uncontrolled arrhythmia causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise; iv. Recurrent syncope; v. Active endocarditis; vi. Acute myocarditis or pericarditis; vii. Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis; viii. Uncontrolled heart failure; ix. Acute (within 3 months) pulmonary embolus or pulmonary infarction; x. Thrombosis of lower extremities; xi. Suspected dissecting aneurysm; xii. Uncontrolled asthma; xiii. Pulmonary edema; xiv. Room air desaturation at rest ≤85%; xv. Respiratory failure; xvi. Acute non-cardiopulmonary disorders that may affect exercise performance or be aggravated by exercise (ie infection, renal failure, thyrotoxicosis); and xvii. Mental impairment leading to inability to cooperate.
Where
- San Francisco, California
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 Mar 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations