HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SpinalCyte, LLC, a spinal technology company focused on autologous regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus using human dermal fibroblasts, announced today an agreement between SpinalCyte and Howard An, M.D., The Morton International Endowed Chair Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery & Director, Division of Spine Surgery and Spine Fellowship Program, Rush University Medical Center to complete the final animal trials.
The initial animal trials, using 16 rabbits, succeeded in regrowing the nucleus of the spinal disc and restoring disc height by over 80%. The resulting report was awarded the 2013 Best Science Award by ISASS (International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery). The final animal trial is scheduled to last 10 months and will increase the number of rabbits used to 64. It will also increase the in vivo monitoring by 8 weeks.
“We are excited about the additional scientific validation this will provide us prior to human studies,” said Pete O’Heeron, Chief Executive Officer. “Dr. An’s initial study at Rush University Medical Center proved that we have discovered a viable alternative to traditional treatment for degenerative disc disease (DDD) and the final animal trial should give us a full understanding of the human dermal fibroblasts’ interaction with the surrounding disc tissue.”
“I am encouraged by our previous work with this technology and look forward to further scientific data to prove this technology as a future treatment for DDD,” commented Dr. An.
The nucleus pulposus is a gelatinous material that acts as a cushion or shock absorber to the spinal column. It functions to distribute hydraulic pressure in all directions within each disc under compressive loads. The nucleus pulposus consists of chondrocytes, collagenfibrils, and proteoglycan aggrecans.
About SpinalCyte, LLC
Based in Houston, Texas, SpinalCyte, LLC is a spinal technology company founded in 2007 for the purpose of developing an innovative and autologous solution for nucleus replacement using human dermal fibroblasts. The goal of SpinalCyte is to develop a cartilage regeneration technology using autologous dermal cells harvested from the patient. To date, SpinalCyte has been funded entirely by angel investors.
