Clinical trial at the University of British Columbia now recruiting patients
RepliCel Life Sciences Inc. (TSX.V: RP) (OTCQB: REPCF), a clinical stage regenerative medicine company focused on the development of autologous cell therapies, announced today an upcoming poster presentation at the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) on RepliCel's autologous cell treatment for chronic Achilles tendinosis currently in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. The presentation, taking place on May 29th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM local time, will review RepliCel's RCT-01 product isolated from specific cells located in the outer sheath of the hair follicle which are highly expressive of type 1 collagen, critical to the regeneration of tendon tissue. Pre-clinical work showed a similar protein expression profile between non-bulbar dermal sheath (NBDS) cells which constitute RCT-01 and both tendon derived cells and dermal fibroblasts in terms of their ability to produce tendon-related proteins under ex vivo mechanical force (stretching). Other data to be presented includes safety data from animal studies demonstrating NBDS cells were well-tolerated, did not form tumors or migrate to secondary sites.
"Based on our animal studies and predicate clinical trials done by collaborators using dermal fibroblasts for tendinosis," stated RepliCel's Director of Research and Development and poster co-author, Dr. Hisae Nakamura, "we believe delivering collagen producing cells directly to the site of injury will address the underlying cause of tendinosis which will be superior to currently available treatments."
RepliCel is now actively recruiting patients for this trial.
Tendinosis is the most prevalent form of overuse tendon injuries, impairing 30 to 50 million people worldwide. Tendinosis results from degeneration of tendon cells and collagen fibres caused by repetitive tendon usage and aging. Currently available treatments for tendinosis are directed mainly towards pain management and facilitation of the healing process. They do not often mediate complete recovery and leave individuals immobilized for several months. Therefore, improved therapeutic strategies are needed.
The four day conference will take place May 27 - 30, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The ISCT is a global society of clinicians, regulators, technologists, and industry partners with a shared vision to translate cellular therapy into safe and effective treatments to improve patients' lives. RepliCel supports the advancement of cell therapy not only through its breakthrough technologies, but also through active participation in industry organizations like ISCT that play a key role in shaping the future of the industry.
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