SpinalCyte, LLC Announces New Results from Phase II Animal Trials of Cell Therapy to Regenerate the Spinal Disc

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SpinalCyte, LLC, a Texas-based tissue engineering technology company focused on regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus using Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs), today announced the preliminary results of Phase II Animal Studies for Spinal Disc Height Improvement. The study began in 2014 with Rush University and Howard An, M.D., The Morton International Endowed Chair Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Director, Division of Spine Surgery and Spine Fellowship Program, Rush University Medical Center. Dr. An’s team is reporting a significant increase in disc height indexes in the HDF treated discs (4 weeks after injury vs 8 weeks after treatment). A total of 48 rabbits were used in this study. 16 rabbits were given Saline, 16 were given HDFs and 16 were given Rabbit Dermal Fibroblasts (RDFs). After injury reduced the disc height to an average of 75% of normal height, the HDF group improved disc height to 81% while the RDF group increased disc height to 77%. “These results are consistent with our first limited animal trial,” stated Howard An, M.D. “We are encouraged and optimistic for the remaining analysis of these Phase II Animal Trials.”

“This positive report is exactly what we’ve been waiting for,” said Pete O’Heeron, Chief Executive Officer for SpinalCyte. “We are still looking forward to the biochemistry and biomechanical reports to further support Dr. An’s findings, but this is such a major step forward in the scientific validation of our cell based therapy approach.”

About SpinalCyte, LLC

Based in Houston, Texas, SpinalCyte, LLC is a tissue engineering technology company founded for the purpose of developing an innovative and autologous solution for spinal 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.