A pharmaceutical preparation for treating connective tissue damage in man and in animals, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a glycosaminoglycan composition comprising chondroitin sulfate, N-acetyl D-glucosamine, and hyaluronan, in combination with isolated stem cells. Methods of use and kits containing the glycosaminoglycan composition and materials for isolating stem cells and for treating connective tissue damage and repair of cartilage in man and in animals are also provided.
