Could a Stem Cell Arthritis Treatment for Dogs Work in Humans?
/By Crystal Lindell
New research suggests that an experimental anti-cancer therapy can also relieve chronic osteoarthritis pain in dogs and may be useful as a pain treatment for humans..
The stem cell DNA therapy – called Elenagen – has shown promise in clinical studies as a treatment for cancer patients by reducing side-effects from chemotherapy. Because chronic nerve pain and inflammation often result from chemotherapy, researchers thought the anti-inflammatory effects of Elenagen might also reduce chronic pain.
In a pilot study, weekly intramuscular injections of Elenagen were given to 17 dogs suffering from severe osteoarthritis pain. After the injections, 90 percent of the dogs showed at least a one‑point drop in their pain severity scores and a two‑point drop in pain interference.
“These dog data suggest we can help the body to manufacture its own multi‑modal anti‑inflammatory—without opioids or steroids,” said Alexander Shneider, PhD, founder and CEO of CureLab Oncology, which is developing Elenagen.
“The majority of older cats and dogs suffer from osteoarthritis and the chronic pain it causes. Indeed, my four-legged family member, Sparky, is one of them.”
Sparky wasn’t involved in this study, but the dogs that were showed a marked reduction in limping and increased activity and playfulness after just four injections. Before and after evidence of their improvement can be viewed here:
Dogs were chosen because their size and frequent development of pain conditions such as osteoarthritis suggests that what works for them might also work for humans.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, Elenagen is said to be able to reprogram aged or dysfunctional mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) by “resetting” them – breaking the inflammation-pain cycle.
“The successful validation of this hypothesis may signal a potential, disease-modifying approach to treating chronic pain in both veterinary and human medicine,” CureLab said in a press release.
No treatment‑related adverse events were observed in the dogs; their hematology and serum chemistry remained within normal limits. The actual structure of their joints also remained unchanged after the injections.
The dogs’ functional improvement suggests that Elenagen targets pain biology directly, offering meaningful relief when other therapies fall short.
“These dog data suggest we can help the body to manufacture its own multi‑modal anti‑inflammatory-without opioids or steroids," said Shneider.
Larger, placebo-controlled trials in both dogs and humans are planned for 2026.
In clinical testing of Elenagen on human ovarian cancer patients, the drug slowed cancer progression and increased overall survival rates, with no harmful side effects. The company is also studying Elenagen as a treatment for cancer in cats and dogs.
