Arthrosamid is a polyacrylamide hydrogel developed by Contura International Ltd. as a long-lasting intra-articular injection approved in Europe for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The treatment has the potential to change the present care pathway for managing osteoarthritis, which affects around one in four adults in Ireland aged over 601 (over 400,000 people)2 and current treatments are not long lasting or involve invasive knee replacement surgery. Despite a large suffering population, there has been very little innovation in the range of osteoarthritis treatments on offer to meaningfully help patients – until now.
Why Knee Osteoarthritis Remains Incurable Despite Therapeutic Advancements
October 17, 2025
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Knee osteoarthritis, a common condition causing chronic pain and reduced mobility, remains incurable due to the unique avascular biology of knee cartilage and limited self-repair capacity. Despite advancements in stem cell and gene therapies, current treatments primarily offer symptom relief rather than full cartilage restoration. The disease’s progressive nature, complex causes, and patient variability further complicate effective treatment development. Regulatory and clinical hurdles delay the transition of promising therapies to clinical use. Ongoing research focuses on innovative, personalized approaches to stimulate cartilage repair and overcome these challenges, offering hope for future breakthroughs that could transform management and quality of life for millions affected worldwide.
