With better drugs and stem-cell therapies, using these biologics, we hope to repair cartilage — or prevent damage — before osteoarthritis sets in or an operation is needed. A sports injury or trauma to cartilage around the knee, hip, or shoulder joint can lead to osteoarthritis later in life — or, worse yet, the need for a new joint. So can the wear and tear that comes with age. It had been predicted that one day, new drugs and stem-cell therapies may stop the degeneration before it starts; that day may have arrived with timely intervention.
Update | The Next Personalized Stem Cell Clinical Trial
For those interested in the next Personalized Stem Cell Clinical Trial, I received this message on Tuesday, November 30, from the Medical Director, Personalized Stem Cells, Inc: “We met with a CRO this week and intend to have study design completed before end of year. FDA will review early next year and hope to begin enrollment soon after.” You may learn more about adipose-derived stem cells, the first PSC CP 001 Knee Arthritis Clinical Trial recently completed, and the announcement regarding patient recruitment for the next trial at www.PersonalizedStemCells.com. In response to my inquiry: “Will I be involved in the next trial?”; the Medical Director stated, “I’m counting on it.”
Extracellular Vesicles | Signal & Influence
Beyond Stem cells, Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are the means by which Stem Cells signal and influence. The three main types of extracellular nanoparticles include 1) Microvesicles 2) Apoptotic Bodies 3) Exosomes. The three forms of EVs may be extracted from Mesenchymal Stem Cells or found circulating in your blood. At this time, the FDA does not approve the use of donor extracellular vesicles.
Is it possible that non-manipulated biologics containing the nanoparticle fraction harvested from that patient’s blood would meet the FDA guidelines for use in arthritis? Stay tuned as I am meeting with the key players next week to learn more.
Needless to say, Regenerative Medicine and Orthobiologics is a dynamic discipline, rapidly evolving. The purpose of my Blog is to keep the reader updated. To learn more, visit my website at www.sheinkopmd.com. To schedule an office visit call (312) 475-1893.