An Australian stem cell scientist is planning a clinical trial using stems cells to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.

Professor Richard Boyd of Monash University in Melbourne hopes to set up the experimental trials with patients in New Zealand.

The therapy involves injected stem cells into patients’ knees, which have been taken from their stomach fat.

Professor Boyd says the therapy has reduced osteoarthritis pain by 90% in almost 12,000 animals, including dogs, cats and horses.

He says his team is in the final stages of seeking official approval to run clinical trials in Australia and will then apply to Medsafe, the health safety regulator in New Zealand.