Clinical trials · California
Osteoarthritis clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 42 recruiting osteoarthritis studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 3 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04238143Recruiting
Knee and other joint arthritis tissue therapy
This trial tests a regenerative therapy made from a patient’s own fat tissue (a “cellular” treatment) to reduce pain and improve function in arthritis-related problems. It may help people with inflammatory or degenerative arthritis changes, if they meet safety and tissue-donation requirements.
Valencia, CaliforniaAges 18–90 - NCT07625150Recruiting
PET/MRI Imaging Study of Kneecap Joint Osteoarthritis
This research study uses advanced imaging (PET and MRI scans) to better understand osteoarthritis in the front of the knee, where the kneecap meets the thighbone. You'll help researchers learn how to detect and track this condition earlier.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07308834RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Knee injection study for moderate to severe osteoarthritis pain
This study tests a new knee injection called CX-011 to see if it can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. It may be a good option if you have tried other treatments without enough relief.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 40–75 - NCT07226258RecruitingPhase 3
Testing SL1002 for knee pain caused by osteoarthritis
This trial tests a study drug called SL1002 to see if it reduces knee pain from osteoarthritis. It may be an option for people with chronic knee pain who haven't found enough relief from current treatments.
Roseville, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT07641517RecruitingPhase 2
Testing LY4065967 for chronic knee osteoarthritis pain
This study tests an experimental drug called LY4065967 to see if it can help reduce pain from osteoarthritis in the knee. You'll be in the trial for several months, with regular check-ins and pain assessments.
Palm Springs, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT06884865RecruitingPhase 2
Study of an experimental knee injection for osteoarthritis pain
This study tests a new investigational medicine injected into the knee to see if it is safe and tolerable for people with painful knee osteoarthritis. It may help reduce pain and improve knee function.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 45–80 - NCT07353931RecruitingPhase 3
Study of eloralintide for knee osteoarthritis pain in people with overweight or obesity
This trial tests an investigational drug called eloralintide to see if it can reduce knee pain in people with osteoarthritis who also have overweight or obesity. You may be able to join if you have knee osteoarthritis, a BMI of 27 or higher, and have tried to lose weight with diet before.
Fountain Valley, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07153471RecruitingPhase 3
A study of an experimental pill for weight loss and knee arthritis
This trial tests an investigational medication (orforglipron) to see if it helps people with knee arthritis lose weight. You may qualify if you have overweight or obesity and have tried dieting before without lasting success.
Huntington Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07544576Enrolling by invitationPhase 4
Knee Arthritis Injection: Two Injection Methods Compared
This study compares two ways of injecting a steroid medication into arthritic knees: using landmark guidance (traditional method) with a higher dose versus ultrasound guidance (imaging) with a lower dose. The goal is to see which approach works better to reduce knee pain and improve function.
Ventura, CaliforniaAges 50 years+ - NCT04472702Recruiting
Ultrasound vs X-ray guidance for knee pain ablation
This trial compares two ways (ultrasound or X-ray guidance) to place a treatment for painful knee arthritis. It aims to see whether one guidance method works as well as the other for reducing knee pain.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 35–99 - NCT04929951RecruitingPhase 1
Micro fat injection to treat shoulder arthritis
This Phase 1 study tests whether a micro-fragmented fat (MFAT) injection can reduce symptoms and improve shoulder function in people with shoulder osteoarthritis. It’s early research, so the goal is mainly to see if the treatment is safe and possibly helpful.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 25–75 - NCT05559463Recruiting
Anti-inflammatory diet for knee arthritis pain relief
This trial studies whether an anti-inflammatory eating plan (the “ITIS diet”) can improve symptoms in people with knee osteoarthritis. It is meant to see if changing what you eat can help reduce pain and improve function.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05700682Recruiting
MRI-guided artery blockage procedure for long-term joint pain
This study tests whether an MRI scan that looks at blood flow can help target a joint embolization procedure to reduce chronic shoulder, hip, or knee pain. It first uses MRI to find signs of increased blood flow, then may use the findings to guide treatment if you qualify.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 25–80 - NCT06080347Recruiting
Anti-inflammatory diet for knee osteoarthritis
This study tests whether an anti-inflammatory diet can help with knee osteoarthritis. If you have OA in one knee and are open to changing your eating habits, you may be able to join.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06208631Recruiting
Movement retraining for knee osteoarthritis pain
This study tests a movement retraining program to see if changing how you walk can reduce stress on your knee and ease osteoarthritis pain. It’s a good fit for people with mild knee pain who want a non-surgical option.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06574191Recruiting
Knee osteoarthritis study: pain and health outcomes
This study looks at how knee pain from osteoarthritis affects your daily life and health. You'll use a topical anti-inflammatory gel and answer questions by text or email for two months.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 50 years+ - NCT06608134RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Umbilical cord injection for knee osteoarthritis pain
This trial tests whether a special injection made from umbilical cord tissue can safely help with knee osteoarthritis pain. If you have moderate knee arthritis and haven't had recent injections or surgery, you may be able to join.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 30 years+ - NCT06911359RecruitingPhase 2
Anti-inflammatory vs. Prolotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis
This study tests whether anti-inflammatory medications or dextrose prolotherapy (sugar water injections) can reduce knee pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. If you are a military healthcare beneficiary with moderate to severe knee pain, you may be able to join.
Travis AFB, CaliforniaAges 45–75 - NCT06917404RecruitingPhase 3
Knee osteoarthritis pain study: comparing a new injection to placebo
This phase 3 study tests whether a medicine called pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), given as a shot under the skin, reduces pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. It compares PPS to a placebo (a shot with no active medicine) to see if it is safe and effective.
Oceanside, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07219771RecruitingPhase 3
Testing MOTYS injection for knee osteoarthritis pain
This trial tests an injection called PTP-001 (MOTYS) for people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It aims to see if the injection can reduce knee pain and improve function.
West Hills, CaliforniaAges 40–80 - NCT07481630RecruitingPhase 3
Testing a new medicine for weight loss and knee pain
This study tests if a new medicine called NNC0487-0111 can help people with extra weight and knee osteoarthritis lose weight and reduce knee pain. If you have knee pain most days and are willing to stop pain relievers for short periods, you may be able to join.
Walnut Creek, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07509307RecruitingPhase 3
Study of a new medicine for weight loss and knee pain in osteoarthritis
This trial tests if a new medicine, NNC0487-0111, can help people with excess weight and knee osteoarthritis lose weight and reduce knee pain. It is for people who have had knee pain for at least three months and who can stop taking pain relievers for short periods before study visits.
Escondido, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07580222Recruiting
Using Mobile Technology to Track Knee Arthritis Health
This study uses smartphone or tablet technology to measure how your knee osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) changes over time. You'll be helping researchers understand how well a previous arthritis treatment works by tracking your knee health at home.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 30 years+ - NCT07339111RecruitingPhase 3
CARTISTEM vs surgery for knee cartilage damage and osteoarthritis
This trial tests if a cell-based treatment called CARTISTEM can repair knee cartilage better than surgery alone. It involves people with knee osteoarthritis and a cartilage defect, with moderate pain and limited function.
El Cajon, CaliforniaAges 18–75
Osteoarthritis trials by city in California
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting osteoarthritis studies listed above.
- Focus Clinical Research · 3 studies
- Horizon Clinical Research · 3 studies
- TriWest Research Associates · 3 studies
- Desert Oasis Healthcare Medical Group · 2 studies
- Diablo Clinical Research · 2 studies
- Encompass Clinical Research · 2 studies
- Source Healthcare · 2 studies
- Stanford University · 2 studies
What taking part in a osteoarthritis study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Osteoarthritis trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there osteoarthritis clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 42 recruiting osteoarthritis studies with a site in California, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a osteoarthritis study in California?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a osteoarthritis trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New osteoarthritis studies open in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.