USA grants patent to Stemedica for transgenic stem cells
Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. (CA, USA), a manufacturer of adult allogeneic stem cells and stem cell factors, has been granted a patent entitled ‘Transgenic Therapeutic Stem Cells and Methods for Their Use and Manufacture’. The US Patent No. 9080184 was issued on 14 July 2015
The patent concerns human mesenchymal stem cells that have been genetically modified to generate higher levels of human granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (hG-CSF). hG-CSF has several beneficial effects including neuroprotection, stem cell mobilization, the initiation of neurogenesis, activating the production of anti-inflammatory compounds and the suppression of apoptosis. Stemedica hope that these effects will translate into the treatment of conditions such as inflammatory diseases, heart attack and ischemic stroke. Their preclinical in vivo studies have proved positive in an animal model.
“Using hG-CSF-transduced MSC will allow Stemedica and other users the opportunity to enhance the potency of our product via the increased secretion of this cytokine, which may improve clinical trial results,” explained Alex Kharazi (Stemedica, CA, USA). “This newly-patented technology now allows Stemedica to use mesenchymal stem cells as a delivery vehicle for hG-CSF directly to the site of injury. This treatment approach should reduce the side effects of hG-CSF following its systemic administration.”
Next steps for Stemedica will be to conduct safety testing and seek regulatory approval from the US FDA. The company welcome contact from any companies or research institutions interested in utilizing the genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells.
“This is a new generation of stem cells for unique therapies in the field of regenerative medicine. The cells have been genetically modified to make and deliver therapeutic, non-toxic proteins to targeted cells or organs in larger quantities than stem cells currently used in regenerative medicine,” concluded Nikolai Tankovich (Stemedica). “As of today, our in vivo safety tests are in a preclinical stage to satisfy the standards required by the FDA for human clinical trials.”
— Written by Daphne Boulicault
Source: Stemedica Cell Technologies, Inc. press release: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stemedica-awarded-us-patent-for-transgenic-therapeutic-stem-cells-300127933.html