Cytori Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:CYTX) reported the publication of preclinical report from a study utilizing Cytori Cell Therapy™ in a prototype of fibrotic scar formation. This trial was done with support from the Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority as a part of the preclinical evidence of concept data package integrated into the FDA permitted United States RELIEF study.
The details
The publication details a trial in which Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells, the active part of Cytori Cell Therapy™, were administered into deep partial thickness injuries in a porcine model, thought the gold standard preclinical prototype of hypertrophic scarring. Six months following treatment, wounds that were cured with ADRCs demonstrated decline in parameters related with hypertrophic scarring as against control wounds.
Parameters that were enhanced by treatment comprised organization, vascularity, discoloration and skin hardness. Molecular analysis involved the temporal modulation of Interleukin-6 expression as a possible mediator of the effect.
The data from this preclinical report were incorporated into the plan of the RELIEF clinical study of Cytori Cell Therapy™ which is also supported by BARDA. The RELIEF study will evaluate Cytori Cell Therapy in patients with considerable thermal burn injury. In addition to evaluation of early healing, the RELIEF study will assess numerous scar-related parameters utilizing approaches similar to those put in this trial.
Dr. John Fraser, the Chief Scientist at Cytori, expressed that Fibrosis is a common element in both scleroderma and burns. This preclinical trial is consistent with a number of upcoming trials showcasing a beneficial effect of company’s ADRC technology in fibrotic disease.
The cure of thermal burns continues to be a major unmet medical need. Despite standard of care mainly consisting of skin grafts, skin substitutes and dressings, patients frequently experience pain, skin contracture, reduced range of motion and scarring. Autologous cell therapies like those offered by Cytori possess the potential to enhance the rate and quality of wound healing and lower scarring.