Study of Safety, Tolerability, Preliminary Efficacy of Intra-articular LNA043 Injections in Patients With Articular Cartilage Lesions and Knee Osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this two-part study is to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of multiple intra-articular (i.a.) injections of LNA043, in regenerating the articular surface in patients with cartilage lesions of the knee (Part A) and knee osteoarthritis (Part B).

There was a 30 day screening period for both Part A and Part B. In Part A, participants were randomized to 3:1 ratio and received an injection of LNA043 (20 mg in 3 ml) or matching placebo (3 ml) on Days 1, 8,15 and 22 and were monitored in clinic for 3 hours after each injection followed by telephone calls 48 hours after injection. Participants returned to the clinic on Days 50, 106, 190 and 365 for follow up visits. MRIs, safety assessments and pharmacokinetics were assessed at selected clinic visits.

In Part B, this study aimed at further evaluating the cartilage anabolic activity of LNA043 in a more severe knee OA population, and to explore the safety and efficacy of a higher dose.

In Part B, participants were randomized to LNA043 20 mg, LNA043 40 mg or matching placebo according in a 1:1:1 ratio. Injections were given in clinic on Days 1, 29, 57 and 85 and participants were monitored in clinic for 3 hours after each injection followed by telephone calls 48 hours after injection. Participants returned to the clinic on Days 113,197 and 365 (end of study) for follow up visits. MRIs, safety assessments and pharmacokinetics were assessed at selected clinic visits.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion criteria Part A

* Patient was ≥18 and ≤55 years old at time of screening.
* Patient had a body mass index (BMI) \<30 kg/m2 at screening,
* Patient had a symptomatic, single, articular cartilage defect of one knee, grade II or IIIA according to the ICRS classification, localized to either the femoral condyles/femoral trochlea or to the patella, based on MRI or arthroscopy performed within 9 months before screening visit and confirmed by screening 3T MRI.
* Patient had an onset of pain and impairment of function between two (2) months and two (2) years before screening.
* Patient had a grade 2 or 3 OA of the knee with Joint Space Width (JSW) 2-4 mm evaluated with X-Ray at screening

Inclusion criteria Part B

* Patient was ≥18 and ≤75 years old at time of screening.
* Patient had a body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m2 at screening
* Diagnosis of femorotibial osteoarthritis (OA) in the target knee by standard American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria at study start (clinical AND radiographic criteria)
* Patient must have had symptomatic disease predominantly in one (the index) knee, with minimal or no symptoms in the contralateral knee. Symptomatic disease is defined as having pain in the knee more than 50% of the days during the last 3 months from screening.
* Patient had a K\&L grade 2 or 3 OA of the knee with JSW 2.00-4.00 mm (X=0.225) fixed position evaluated with X-Ray by the Central Reader at screening.

Exclusion criteria Part A \& B

* Women of child-bearing potential, defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant, unless they are using highly effective methods of contraception during dosing and for 15 days after stopping of investigational drug.
* Patient had surgical treatment of the target knee using mosaicplasty, microfracture, meniscectomy \>50% (Note: prior diagnostic arthroscopy with debridement and lavage, \<50% meniscectomy, lateral release, patellar realignment, medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction are acceptable if performed at least 2 months prior to screening; anteriorcruciate ligament reconstrucion is acceptable if performed 12 months prior to screening, or less if restoration of joint function is evident, and agreed by the sponsor).
* Patient had an unstable target knee joint or insufficiently reconstructed ligaments based on medical history and physical examination by the investigator.
* Prohibited medication updated with reference to dosing (formerly screening).

Exclusion Criteria Part A only

* Regular smokers (\> 5 cigarettes/day). Urine cotinine levels will be measured during screening for all patients. Regular smokers will be defined as any patient who reports tobacco use of \> 5 cigarettes/day and/or who has a urine cotinine ≥ 500 ng/mL.
* Patient had radiologically apparent degenerative joint disease in the target knee as determined by Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥2 based on X-ray evaluation performed within 9 months from screening.
* Patient had patellofemoral dysplasia Dejour Grade B-D based on X-ray evaluation performed within 9 months from screening
* Patient had malalignment (valgus- or varus-deformity) in the target knee ≥ 5° based on X-ray evaluation performed within 9 months from screening. In suspected cases, the mechanical axis must be established radiographically through complete leg imaging during standing and in postero-anterior (PA) projection.

Exclusion Criteria Part B only

* Regular smokers (\> 10 cigarettes/day).
* Clinical signs of inflammation (i.e., redness) in the target knee.
* History of knee replacement (unilateral or total) in either knee.
* Presence of severe hip OA conditioning lower limb function according to PI's evaluation.
* Nephrotic syndrome and/or significant proteinuria
* History of coagulopathy or medical condition requiring anticoagulation which would preclude knee injection
* Patient had malalignment (valgus- or varus-deformity) in the target knee ≥ 7.5° based on X-ray evaluation. In suspected cases, the mechanical axis must be established radiographically through complete leg imaging during standing and in postero-anterior (PA) projection.