Previous research into DMMs for OA and other arthritic joint conditions has focused on specific tissue components of the joint. However, OA is now understood to be an organ disease affecting multiple tissues and systemic influences.

Other research has used young animal models, the results of which are not directly translatable to clinical trials on age- or obesity-associated OA.

This new preclinical model will overcome the existing challenges in current models using a personalizable 3D mJoint containing all components of a human joint including cartilage, bone, synovium, and infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP). The mJoint aims to replicate the in vivo conditions in human OA and other arthritic conditions, meaning experimental results will be more clinically relevant.