SpinalCyte, LLC Receives New U.S. Patent For Tissue Engineering

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SpinalCyte, LLC, a Texas-based tissue engineering technology company focused on regrowth of the spinal disc nucleus using human dermal fibroblasts, announced today the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 9,138,460, “Methods and Compositions For Repair Of Cartilage Using An In Vivo Bioreactor.” The technology described in the patent generally involves seeding dermal fibroblasts into the nucleus of the spinal disc. The cells, when exposed to certain types of in vivo mechanical stress in a low oxygen environment, will then differentiate into chondrocytes. The claims cover intermittent hydrostatic pressure and fluid shear stress. Other claims provide for the addition of growth factors, ascorbic acid, and the generation of cartilage cells using mechanical strain in vitro followed by implantation in a joint.

“Methods and Compositions For Repair Of Cartilage Using An In Vivo Bioreactor.”

“The new patent strengthens our position as a leader in tissue regeneration, and for the first time we are granted protection for other structures of the body,” said Pete O’Heeron, Chief Executive Officer. “This patent adds to our growing portfolio and we are pleased the United States Patent Office continues to validate the uniqueness of our technology. SpinalCyte’s patent portfolio includes 10 U.S. and foreign patents issued and directly owned by the company, along with 18 patents pending. We feel the future for cartilage regeneration will be centered around a biologic cell therapy solution and our technology should prove to be a 'game-changer' in this field.”

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.