For Immediate Release
ST. GEORGE, UT — November 2, 2026 — Stem cell therapy for arthritis is being studied for osteoarthritis, but it is investigational and not FDA-approved for this use. Here is what the evidence does and doesn't show.
Stem cells are cells that can divide and, under certain conditions, develop into other cell types. The cells most often discussed for joints are mesenchymal stromal cells (often called MSCs), which can be collected from bone marrow, fat tissue, or other sources.
This is the single most important question, so here is the plain answer: no. Stem cell injections for osteoarthritis or any other form of arthritis are investigational and are not FDA-approved for these uses.
The research on cell-based injections for knee osteoarthritis is real and growing. Several small and mid-sized clinical trials, and systematic reviews that pool them, suggest that some participants report reduced pain and improved function after MSC injections compared with baseline or with comparison treatments.
People often lump these together, but they are different. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from your own blood and concentrates platelets and growth factors.
“Recovery is possible with the right, evidence-based support — that is the work we do every day at The Bridge.” — Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O., Founder & CEO, The Bridge Health Recovery Center
Read the full guide: Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis: Emerging Evidence for Osteoarthritis.
Author: Dr. Daren Brooks, D.O., Founder & CEO, The Bridge Health Recovery Center