# Stanford Scientists Regrow Lost Cartilage and Reverse Arthritis in Major Breakthrough

*2026-06-12 18:02 UTC · Science · 1 min read*

> Stanford scientists blocked an aging protein to regrow knee cartilage in mice and human tissue, raising hopes for a drug-based alternative to joint replacement surgery.

Stanford researchers have discovered a way to regenerate worn-out joint cartilage by blocking a protein called 15-PGDH, which plays a key role in cellular aging. In older mice, the treatment restored lost knee cartilage and prevented arthritis from developing after serious joint injuries — without relying on stem cells.

The mechanism works by coaxing existing cartilage-producing cells, called chondrocytes, to revert their gene activity to a more youthful state. Crucially, when human cartilage samples collected during knee replacement surgeries were exposed to the treatment, they began producing new, functional cartilage — a promising sign for eventual human applications.

Osteoarthritis affects approximately one in five U.S. adults and costs roughly $65 billion annually in direct healthcare. An oral version of the 15-PGDH inhibitor is already in clinical trials for age-related muscle weakness, and researchers plan to extend trials to cartilage regeneration soon. The study was published in Science in June 2026.

## Sources

- [sciencedaily.com](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260612021604.htm)
- [sciencealert.com](https://www.sciencealert.com/breakthrough-to-restore-aging-joints-could-help-treat-osteoarthritis)

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TechTools News · https://techtools.cz/tools/news/article/1818-stanford-scientists-regrow-lost-cartilage-and-reverse-arthritis-in-major
Česká verze: https://techtools.cz/tools/news/clanek/1891-vedci-ze-stanfordu-obnovili-chrupavku-a-zvratili-artritidu-v-prulomovem-vyzkumu