New tissue engineering patent for degenerative disc repair awarded

New patent highlights the production of chondrocyte-like cells from human dermal fibroblasts for the repair of spinal discs.

SpinalCyte, LLC (TX, USA) have been awarded a US patent for “Methods And Compositions For Repair Of Cartilage Using An In Vivo Bioreactor” for the production of chondrocyte-like cells from human dermal fibroblasts for the repair of spinal discs.

The patent describes how human dermal fibroblasts can be subjected to mechanical stress, low oxygen tension and hydrostatic tension followed by a scaffold and one or more growth factors to differentiate the cells into chondrocyte-like cells.

“This patent covers our core principle of differentiating dermal fibroblasts into chondrocytes for the purpose of regenerating the disc. Fibroblast cells have proven to exhibit dramatic regenerative properties, and they appear to be an optimal cell source for degenerative disc disease,” commented Pete O’Heeron, Chief Executive Officer, SpinalCyte.

In a 2016 paper published in Global Spine Journal, funded by SpinalCyte, LLC, differentiated dermal fibroblasts were demonstrated to enhance disc repair and reduce inflammation in a rabbit model.

Sources: Chee A, Shi P, Cha T et al. Cell Therapy with Human Dermal Fibroblasts Enhances Intervertebral Disk Repair and Decreases Inflammation in the Rabbit Model. Global Spine Journal. 6(8), 771—779 (2016); http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201702090054…