SpinalCyte, LLC Enrolls First Patient In Landmark Phase I Human Clinical Trial

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SpinalCyte, LLC, a Texas-based tissue engineering technology company focused on the regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus using human dermal fibroblasts, announced today the enrollment of its first patient in a study for the development of CybroCell, the first dermal fibroblast cell product for treatment of degenerative disc disease.

“Our preclinical trials resulted in significant regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus, increases in disc height, and gene expression such as proteoglycan. This could be the beginning of a new wave of cell-based treatments for degenerative disc disease, in lieu of surgery.”

“This unprecedented study marks the first time a human patient will receive dermal fibroblasts for treatment of degenerative disc disease,” said SpinalCyte Chief Executive Officer Pete O’Heeron. “Our preclinical trials resulted in significant regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus, increases in disc height, and gene expression such as proteoglycan. This could be the beginning of a new wave of cell-based treatments for degenerative disc disease, in lieu of surgery.”

The clinical trial will enroll 18 patients between the ages of 18 and 85. Each patient will be administered CybroCell alone, in combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or saline only. The measurable outcomes of the study will take 12 months. SpinalCyte aims to show that using its allogenic “prepackaged” cell therapy product will lead to a reduction in pain, improved function, and regeneration of damaged discs.

“We are excited about the potential of this new technology to treat degenerative disc disease,” said Carlos Manuel Ruiz Macias, M.D., Principal Investigator of the SpinalCyte clinical trials. “We believe that regenerative cell therapy is the future of medicine, and the life-changing opportunities that lie ahead could have enormous impact on the millions around the world who deal with back pain and problems due to injury, age, or other factors.”

To learn more about SpinalCyte, LLC, please visit www.spinalcyte.com.

About SpinalCyte, LLC

Based in Houston, Texas, SpinalCyte, LLC is a tissue engineering technology company developing an innovative solution for spinal nucleus replacement using human dermal fibroblasts. Currently, SpinalCyte holds 12 U.S. and international issued patents, and has filed for an additional 40 patents pending. Funded entirely by angel investors, SpinalCyte represents the next generation of medical advancement.