Orthocell (ASX:OCC) has received a European patent for its pipeline ‘Cell Factory’ technology, which produces tissue specific growth factors and bioactive proteins to enhance tissue repair.
The company’s patent issuance follows from the Cell Factory work for cartilage injuries and inducement of bone formation.
The patent is specifically for ‘Cell Factory-derived method of producing native components, such as growth factors or extracellular matrix proteins, through cell culturing of tissue samples for tissue repair’.
Current growth factor approaches are generic and often result in a mix of growth factors not specific to the tissue that is being treated.
The new patent strengthens Orthocell’s intellectual property (IP) position and brings further value to its tissue regeneration portfolio, presenting a significant commercial opportunity.
Importantly, the IP for the Cell Factory concept has now been granted in two key jurisdictions – the U.S. and the EU.
As the population ages and cartilage, bone and tendon conditions become more prevalent, ‘off-the-shelf’ growth factors have a potential role as a unique and cost effective procedure to enhance soft tissue repair.
Earlier this month, Orthocell announced a research collaboration agreement with DePuy Synthes Products, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, for its Ortho-ATI stem cell approach.
Ortho-ATI is a novel non-surgical approach to treat chronic treatment resistant tendon injuries that have a significant negative effect on patients’ activities of daily living.
Orthocell’s share price has increased by about 15.8% since the start of this year, last trading at $0.44.