The present invention relates to biomarkers, methods, and compositions for characterizing and isolating multipotent adult stem cells (MASCs) and uses thereof.

The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis comprising a femoral component (1) and a tibial component (2), each having a front face constituting the joint and a rear face (4) facing the bone, and a polyethylene (PE) liner (3). In order to allow the knee joint prosthesis to be implanted without metal and without cement, the femoral component (1) and the tibial component (2) consist of a full ceramic material and both components (1, 2) have integrated porous osseointegrative rear faces (4) facing the bone.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for preventing or treating post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a subject in need thereof, comprising administrating a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes or mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA to the subject. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for preventing progressive fibrocartilage degeneration in a subject in need thereof, comprising administrating a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes or mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA to the subject.

A surface coating structure of a surgical prosthesis according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first coating layer formed on the surface of the surgical prosthesis and including an amino compound for surface adhesion; a second coating layer formed on one side of the first coating layer and including a fluorine compound conferring hydrophobicity to the surface coating structure of the surgical prosthesis; and a third coating layer formed on one side of the second coating layer and including a lubricant component for preventing adhesion of a biomaterial existing in a subject into which the surgical prosthesis is inserted.

Provided herein are devices and methods for treating inflammation and pain of articular joints (e.g., the knee). An implantable device includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a flange disposed at the proximal end, a bore extending from an opening at the proximal end into the elongate body, one or more fixation members disposed on an outer surface of the elongate body, and a payload (e.g., a drug-polymer core) having a therapeutic agent disposed within the bore. The payload has a substantially constant surface area on an exposed portion throughout elution of the therapeutic agent after the implantable device is implanted in a body. The therapeutic agent is configured to elute using zero-order kinetics, constantly and continuously at an amount that is above a predetermined lower threshold and does not exceed a predetermined upper threshold unlike a pulse-dose injection.

The invention provides a method of making a biological disc graft. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating back or neck pain. In one embodiment, the biological disc graft is useful for treating any joint pain. The invention also provides a method of implanting said biological disc graft in a way that is minimally invasive and less dangerous.

The present patent application is directed to compositions and shaped structures implantable into mammalian bodies, the compositions and shaped structures having localized bioactive surfaces.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for the lubrication of joints, the pharmaceutical composition comprising a non-ionic tonicity agent comprising a polyol, and liposomes comprising at least one membrane comprising at least one phospholipid (PL) selected from a glycerophospholipid (GPL), said GPL having two C.sub.12-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon chains, being the same or different, and sphingomyelin (SM) having a C.sub.12-C.sub.18 hydrocarbon chain, the pharmaceutical composition being essentially free of an additional pharmaceutically active agent, wherein the at least one membrane has a phase transition temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 39° C. and the joint has a joint temperature which is above the phase transition temperature.

The present invention relates to a formulation sized for injection comprising a biodegradable polyesteramide co-polymer comprising at least a diol of bicyclic-1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol and analgesics for use in the treatment of arthritic disorders. More specific the invention relates to a formulation comprising injectable microparticle according to claim 1 wherein the polyesteramide co-polymer further comprises a diacid, a diol different from bicyclic-1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol and at least two different amino-acids. The formulation is used to treat pain or inflammation in a patient comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of the formulation once or twice a year.

A solid lubricant for use in a medical device for lubrication of a synovial joint, wherein said lubricant comprises at least one of: a high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid; a crosslinked high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid; and a hyaluronic acid of at least two different high-molecular weights being crosslinked to form a semisolid gel.