The power of the Secretome and MSCs to target pain
Regeneus utilises Mesenchymal Signalling Cells also known as Stromal cells or Stem cells (MSCs) derived from Fat tissue (adipose) to target and repair tissue, and reduce pain and inflammation. To repair tissue and decrease inflammation, MSCs communicate via receptors and signalling molecules produced by the cells themselves to resident tissue, restoring the balance and calming the inflammatory state.
These bioactive communication or signalling molecules are collectively termed ‘Secretome’. Included in the Secretome is a range of soluble proteins, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, matrix proteins, lipids, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, which Regeneus has identified as playing major roles in repairing the inflammatory state and are the cornerstone of our technology.
MSCs ‘repurpose’ damaged and inflamed tissue
MSCs were initially proposed as therapeutic due to their differentiation capabilities. Being able to differentiate into multiple cell types, including cartilage, bone and muscle to form new tissue and replace resident damaged cells, provided an attractive therapy. However, more recently, MSCs‘ mechanism of action is attributed to their ability to deliver information to inflamed and damaged target cells without being destroyed by the immune system. This means MSCs repurpose the inflamed and damaged tissue – they alter the types of cells and the bioactive factors those cells secrete that are causing the inflammation.
MSCs do this first by “homing” to the site of injury like a beacon of light. Once at the site, MSCs interact with damaged tissue and the reactive, inflammatory molecules.
Transferring a new message of balance and restoration
MSCs respond to this inflammatory microenvironment by further secreting their own arsenal of modulatory molecules working in symphony to down regulate the harmful transmission. Attracted to inflammation, MSCs and the subsequent Secretome containing the myriad of soluble and genetic material, transfer a new message of balance and restoration.
Fluorescently labelled picture of Progenza cells attached to Microcarriers
Bringing the science to market
Our platform technologies Progenza™ and Sygenus represent a potential major paradigm shift in treating pain and inflammation at its source, by harnessing the power of MSCs and Secretome.
The Advantages of Adipose Allogenic MSCs
Regeneus uses Adipose Allogeneic MSCs which are mass-produced and derived from a single donor. This is different to autologous MSCs which are manufactured as a single lot from the patient being treated.
Less invasive
Adipose tissue isn’t as invasive as other methods like Bone marrow.
Sourced from a single donor
Allogeneic MSCs allow Regeneus to treat hundreds of thousands of patients from a single donor, chosen by our scientists after rigorous quality control testing.
Consistent and high-grade stem cell product
Using Allogenic MSCs, and not having to alter our donor consistently, not only provides Regeneus with the confidence of the highest-grade product we can provide, but also the patient.
Therapeutic Areas
MSCs and their Secretome have a wide application in terms of pain and inflammation management as they can target inflammation at its source.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often referred to the pain and inflammation around the joint due to ‘wear and tear’ in the tissue. Today, some 250 million people worldwide are affected by osteoarthritis. While it can begin at any age, osteoarthritis usually affects older people, with the average age of onset around 45 years. Osteoarthritis can be related to family history, gender, age, obesity, or overuse or injury to joints. Osteoarthritis is a US$9.5 billion market opportunity in Japan, US and EU alone.
Osteoarthritis (OA), although a heterogeneous disease, is generally believed by rheumatologists to be primarily a disease of biomechanical alteration. However, apart from the relatively rare type of erosive inflammatory OA which clearly shows a strong inflammatory component, patients with OA exhibit inflammatory infiltrates (immune cells) in the synovial membrane. Progenza™ aims to halt this degradation and modify the disease state.
A Phase I study of Progenza™ in OA patients (KL Grade 1-3) demonstrated significant treatment-related reductions in pain for up to 12 months, as well as stabilisation of cartilage volume in the target dose group.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain is a condition generally caused by disease, injury or trauma which affects the sensory nervous system. A patient with neuropathic pain experiences chronic pain, as the body amplifies sensory signals that are not normally painful to the brain, but perceives them as painful. This sensation is known as allodynia.
Progenza™ may have potential in addressing neuropathic pain. Pre-clinical studies have shown that a single injection of Progenza™ resulted in the complete reversal of symptoms of allodynia, a condition in which pain occurs from what is normally non-painful, such as, stimulation of the skin by a light touch.
Skin
Skin conditions are one of the most near-term areas for cell-based regenerative medicine products. We remain focused on developing a treatment which provides relief by reducing pain and inflammation and encouraging accelerated healing and repair. Painful conditions, including burns, acne, wounds, chronic and acute pain are conditions most people have encountered.
Sygenus has the potential to assist with painful skin conditions due to its capacity to control inflammation, stimulate cell migration and proliferation, and even improve scarring. Sygenus is currently in the preclinical stage.
Partnering with us
Regeneus is constantly looking for partners and research collaborators.
Contact us for more information.