Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc.'s trial of its nStride autologous protein solution kit to treat knee osteoarthritis showed significant improvement in the percentage change from baseline in pain scores.

The Progress 2 trial studied the safety and efficacy of the solution versus a single saline injection.

Investigators prepared the solution by using Zimmer Biomet's nStride APS Kit, which concentrates anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors from a sample of the patient's own blood, for delivery via a single intra-articular injection into the knee joint.

Patients receiving the kit-prepared solution reported 65% change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, or WOMAC, pain index, compared to 41% for the patients receiving saline injections. On the Visual Analog Scale, the autologous protein users reported 49% improvement in pain scores, compared to a 13% improvement for the other group of patients.

The nStride APS kit is not commercially available in the U.S. The kit is marketed in the EU and in Japan.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage or cushion between joints breaks down leading to pain, stiffness and swelling.