Orthocell Limited (ASX:OCC) should trade firmer after being granted an Australian patent covering use of biological materials to repair damaged tendons described as “Tenocyte Containing Bioscaffolds and Treatment Using the Same”.
The patent relates to use of novel bio-scaffolds and tendon stem cells to treat tendon degeneration, and Orthocell has patents previously granted for this method in New Zealand, Singapore and China.
The patents protect Orthocell’s intellectual property for the preparation of bioscaffolds and tendon stem cells to treat rotator cuff tears in a patient’s shoulder.
This intellectual property further protects Orthocell’s novel tendon regeneration technology known as autologous tenocyte implantation, or Ortho-ATI™.
This is further validation of Orthocell’s innovation in the area of regenerative medicine and in particular the regeneration of human tendon tissue.
Specifically, the patents relate to the methods Orthocell uses to cultivate and grow a patient’s own tendon cells, known as tenocytes; seed a scaffold with the tenocytes; and implant the tenocyte-seeded bioscaffold close to the rotator cuff tear.
Rotator cuff tendon tear is a common injury caused by the overuse tendons in the shoulder that is most commonly seen in athletes and work-related and other overuse activities.
While surgical procedures can be effective in mechanically stabilising rotator cuff tendon tears, new ways to treat the injury are needed as success rates for mechanical stabilisation alone to repair failed repairs are very low.
Up to 40% of rotator cuff stabilisation surgeries eventually fail as the underlying pathology of the tendon, including insufficient viable tendon repairing cells or tenocytes, are absent.
Orthocell’s ATI technology in conjunction with a stabilisation will support repair and regeneration of the tendon.
Orthocell thus controls the first tendon and ligament regeneration product approved in a major market and a next generation cartilage repair therapy.
The company's collagen scaffold for repair of tissue planned for registration application in Q2 2015, along with expansion of existing approvals to other international markets.
Proactive Investors Australia is the market leader in producing news, articles and research reports on ASX “Small and Mid-cap” stocks with distribution in Australia, UK, North America and Hong Kong / China.