Stem cell biotech Orthocell has won a patent for a technology that can grow new body cells.

The Australian patent covers Orthocell’s CelGro platform, which makes collagen “scaffolds”.

It’s a technique that involves using collagen — the glue that holds our bodies together — as a scaffold on which cells and tissues can grow. Orthocell uses this particular technology to heal soft tissue injuries.

Orthocell’s (ASX:OCC) patent covers the manufacture of new bio-scaffolds and as an aid in the surgical repair of soft tissue injuries.

“CelGro has been shown to improve tissue in-growth and repair in clinical studies using the collagen medical device to augment repair of the rotator cuff tendon within the shoulder, to guide bone regeneration within the jaw and to assist in the rejoining of severed, or damaged peripheral nerves,” the company said.

CelGro... this is the base on which Orthocell grows new human tissue. Picture: Orthocell
CelGro… this is the base on which Orthocell grows new human tissue. Picture: Orthocell

Orthocell managing director Paul Anderson said the company was moving its products through Australian and international registration processes.

Earlier in September, it treated its first patient in a study to show another product, the ATI system, worked in shoulder injuries.

ATI (Autologous Tenocyte Implantation) involves removing stem cells from a healthy tendon, expanding them in culture and then using them to repair damaged tendons in a different part of the body.

The global orthopaedic soft tissue repair market was worth approximately $US7 billion ($8.7 billion) in 2013 and is expected to be worth more than $US10 billion by 2020.

Orthocell burned $1.7 million in the June quarter, leaving $5 million in the bank.

Its shares gained 3 per cent to 35c in early trading Thursday, but closed the day at 33.5c.

 

Featured Companies

You might be interested in