Mesoblast Ltd (ASX:MSB) has been granted a patent in the U.S covering the use of mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
The newly granted patents, together with its existing portfolio, provide Mesoblast with commercial rights in the U.S. until July 2032 for the use of MPCs in the treatment of various rheumatic diseases.
Mesoblast's stem cells act by both releasing anti-inflammatory factors and by secreting two proteins that act on cells within inflamed joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, often painful autoimmune disease affecting about 1% of the global population and has become big business for pharmaceutical companies.
Major advances in biologic drugs, which are derived from organic matter like vaccines, anti-toxins and antibodies, have created a $15 billion market. This is set to rise to $18 billion by 2024.
But only 70% of sufferers find relief from new agents, such as AbbVie Inc's (NYSE:ABBV) Humira, one of the world's top-selling prescription medicines.
Earlier this month, Phase 2 trial of Mesoblast’s cell lines in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis proved to be safe and improved symptoms for sufferers.
The treatment with Mesoblast's MPC-300-IV was deemed well tolerated with no serious side effects in the 48-patient, 12-week study.
The cell treatment also led to improvements in measures of physical function and overall disease activity versus placebo.
Mesoblast is planning to line up a partner to help it move towards larger Phase 3 trials that are needed before the treatment could progress towards FDA approval.
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