Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Sun Pharma) and Israel-based Moebius Medical have jointly announced the publication of two pivotal studies in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, the official journal of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). These publications highlight the clinical trial results and underlying mechanism of action for MM-II, a novel non-opioid treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
MM-II is an innovative formulation composed of large, empty multilamellar liposomes, engineered to reduce joint friction and cartilage wear, thereby alleviating pain. The first published article details the results of a Phase 2b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04506463), which involved 397 patients across the United States, Europe, and Asia. The study demonstrated that a single injection of MM-II resulted in meaningful pain relief lasting up to 26 weeks, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
The second article delves into the product's mechanism of action, revealing how MM-II forms a lubricative coating on cartilage surfaces. This coating reduces joint friction and helps slow cartilage degradation, a key factor in the progression of osteoarthritis. While this mechanism likely contributes significantly to pain relief, the researchers suggest other biological pathways may also be involved in MM-II’s therapeutic effect.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Thomas J. Schnitzer, MD, PhD, a rheumatologist at Northwestern University and lead author of the clinical trial, stated: “These data indicate that MM-II offers sustained pain relief with a strong safety profile. With limited treatment options for knee osteoarthritis and growing concerns over opioid use, MM-II could be a valuable alternative to current treatments like hyaluronic acid and steroids.”
Moshe Weinstein, CEO of Moebius Medical, emphasized the significance of the dual publications: “Being featured in the leading journal for osteoarthritis research further validates the potential of MM-II’s novel approach.”
In parallel with the publications, Sun Pharma and Moebius Medical are presenting new findings at the OARSI 2025 World Congress on Osteoarthritis. Three abstracts have been accepted for presentation, and the companies will host a satellite symposium focused on MM-II’s mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and upcoming Phase 3 development plans.