This study was terminated early based on an interim analysis of 14 subjects, which demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

The purpose of this study was to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of a single intra-articular (i.a.) administration of LNA043 in regenerating the articular cartilage of the knee, in a standardized clinical scenario of acute cartilage defect. The study aimed at characterizing the mechanism of action of LNA043

This was a non-confirmatory, patient and investigator blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group, single dose study in patients with cartilage lesions undergoing autologous cartilage implantation (ACI). Participants were treated only on one occasion (Day 1) with a single i.a. injection that was performed under arthroscopic visualization and followed up for 28 weeks.

Originally approximately 22 patients were planned to be enrolled in two cohorts (LNA043 20 mg and LNA043 40 mg). The study was terminated before any patient was randomized into the LNA043 40 mg cohort

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent must be obtained before any assessment is performed
• Patient is ≥18 and≤ 50 years old at time of screening
• Patient has a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 at screening
• Patient has a localized articular cartilage defect of the knee and is scheduled for an ACI procedure
• Able to communicate well with the investigator, to understand and comply with the requirements of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient has radiologically apparent degenerative joint disease in the target knee as determined by Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥2 based on X-ray evaluation performed within 6 months from screening
• Patient has unstable knee joint or insufficiently reconstructed ligaments, based on medical history and physical examination by the investigator.
• Patient scheduled for a concomitant articular surgical procedure (e.g., anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction) other than debridement or partial meniscectomy
• Patient has malalignment (valgus- or varus-deformity) in the target knee ≥ 5° based on based on X-ray evaluation performed within 6 months from screening.at screeningmedical history. In suspected cases, the mechanical axis must be established radiographically through complete leg imaging during standing and in postero-anterior projection.
• Patient has a known autoimmune disease, inflammatory arthropathy (including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, CPPD, gout), active acute or chronic infection of the joint, recent Lyme disease to the knee, systemic cartilage disorder, or a known systemic connective tissue disease.
• Patient has had surgical treatment of the target knee using autologous osteochondral transplantation/mosaicplasty within 12 months prior to screening (Note: prior diagnostic arthroscopy with debridement and lavage, meniscal surgery, microfracture, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and extra-articular surgery e.g., high-tibial osteotomy are acceptable).
• Patient is unable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or presents absolute contraindications to MRI (e.g., metallic implants, metallic foreign bodies, pacemaker, defibrillator).
• Patient taking medications prohibited by the protocol: corticosteroids by any route (except topical) from 4 weeks prior to screening; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or aspirin (greater than 100 mg per day) within 2 weeks prior to screening; paracetamol greater than 3000 mg per day within 2 weeks prior to screening; glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate within 2 weeks prior to screening; any local treatment i.a. into the knee within 3 months from screening.
• 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.
• Regular smokers (use of tobacco/nicotine products in the previous 3 months > 5 cigarettes/day). Urine cotinine levels will be measured during screening for all subjects. Regular smokers will be defined as any subject who reports tobacco use of > 5 cigarettes/day and/or who has a urine cotinine ≥ 500 ng/mL.

Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations.

This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com

Adverse events were collected from the dose of study treatment until up to 28 weeks post treatment