SpinalCyte, LLC, a Texas-based tissue engineering technology company, has received final results for its Phase II animal trials using human dermal fibroblast (HDFs) transplantation for intervertebral disc degeneration. SpinalCyte executives believe this research could lead to an innovative solution to the problem of spinal nucleus replacement.
The final report builds on previous findings of significant improvement in the disc height. The study began in 2014 with Rush University and Howard An, M.D. An is the Morton International Endowed Chair Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and the Director, Division of Spine Surgery and Spine Fellowship Program of Rush University Medical Center.
When researchers injected spinal discs with HDFs, the discs were able to significantly increase regeneration, disc height, gene expression of structural genes such as collagen type I and collagen type II, and the contents of structural proteins such as proteoglycan.
The study also proved that the spinal disc is immune privileged. “These results suggest HDFs are a promising option for cell therapy which can restore structure, height and reduce symptoms of degenerated discs, ” said An.
SpinalCyte CEO Pete O’Heeron said, “This should be considered a landmark scientific breakthrough for a biologic solution to degenerative disc disease. Dr. An’s team of scientists has provided definitive science that HDFs should be considered a promising option for millions suffering from degenerative disc disease.”
