Translational Research
Veterinary Research
Extending ArtCart+ regenerative cartilage therapy to horses and large animals—building the pathway toward regulatory approval and wider adoption.
About This Research
Articular Cartilage Paste Grafting (ArtCart) offers a regenerative surgical solution for joint damage. Developed over 30 years, ArtCart is a minimally invasive, one-step procedure that uses a patient's own cartilage, bone, and stem cells to regrow joint surfaces after trauma and treat arthritis. Long-term clinical studies have demonstrated that the procedure provides restored function and an average of 17 years of pain relief.
Unlike joint replacement, ArtCart is suitable for patients of all ages and enables a return to full activity. Our recent work in horses marks a major inflection point in bringing this therapy to veterinary medicine.
You Help Advance ArtCart+ In Humans and Animals
Your support made possible the development of ArtCart+, the next generation of the Articular Cartilage Paste Graft technique, while extending SRF cartilage research to the veterinary world.
In partnership with veterinary surgeon David Frisbie, DVM, PhD, at Colorado State University (CSU), SRF is completing an equine study evaluating ArtCart+. This enhanced procedure builds upon our previous findings to further improve cartilage regeneration.
Our work positions the technique for near-term regulatory approval in horses and dogs, while also building the pathway toward an FDA-approved human clinical trial.
Collaborator
David Frisbie, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVSMR
Professor of Equine Surgery at Colorado State University
ArtCart+ in Veterinary Medicine
Video coming soon
Clinical Significance
Your support ensures that the science of cartilage regeneration moves beyond isolated success toward wider adoption. Once the initial results are confirmed in our upcoming studies, this therapy will deliver lasting relief and restored mobility to the countless patients and large animals in need of better treatment solutions.
Working animals represent significant investments—not just financially, but emotionally. A performance horse can represent years of training and hundreds of thousands of dollars. These animals are partners, athletes, and family members who deserve access to the same regenerative solutions we offer human patients.
Despite its strong clinical outcomes in humans, ArtCart did not gain widespread adoption due to a lack of corporate support. Over the past several years, SRF has worked to standardize and optimize the procedure through a series of studies—including our recent work in horses, marking a major inflection point in our progress.
Landmark Findings
Years of ArtCart Development
Average Pain Relief Duration
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Current Research: Equine
ArtCart+ Equine Study at Colorado State University
In partnership with Dr. David Frisbie at CSU, SRF is completing an equine study evaluating ArtCart+. This enhanced procedure builds upon our previous findings to further improve cartilage regeneration in horses.
Study Objectives
- Evaluate ArtCart+ efficacy in equine joints
- Optimize procedure for veterinary application
- Build evidence for regulatory approval
Regulatory Pathway
- Near-term approval pathway for horses
- Expansion to canine applications
- Foundation for FDA human clinical trial
Published Studies
Our veterinary protocols are informed by decades of human clinical research. Key foundational studies include:
Articular Cartilage Paste Graft Studies
10- to 23-year follow-up demonstrating 19.1 years median benefit time and 85.6% success rate.
View StudiesAll SRF Published Research
16 peer-reviewed studies spanning 27+ years of orthopaedic research in biologic joint repair.
Explore LibraryFor Clinicians
Find out why you should implement ArtCart+ in your clinic. Learn about training, protocols, and how to offer this regenerative solution to your equine patients.
Find Out NowFor Equine Owners
Find out how ArtCart+ can improve the quality of your equine patient's life. Learn about treatment options and outcomes for your horse.
Find Out NowSupport Veterinary Research
Your donation helps advance ArtCart+ toward regulatory approval—bringing regenerative cartilage therapy to horses, dogs, and ultimately back to human patients through FDA-approved clinical trials.
Donate Now