Genea Biocells claims MD breakthrough

Genea Biocells has developed what it says is the world’s first technique for producing human skeletal muscle tissue from stem cells in a consistent and high-capacity way.

The company, a subsidiary of Australian fertility group Genea, has created a method of turning human embryonic stem cells into skeletal muscle cells.

The company developed the technique with the support of Australian non-profit FSHD Global Research Foundation. FSHD (Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy) is one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy.

Genea Biocells General Manager Dr Uli Schmidt said the project represents both Australian and international firsts.

“This is the first time in Australia that differentiation of human skeletal muscle tissue from pluripotent stem calls has been achieved, and the first time in the world that it has been done with significant yields and without cell sorting or genetic mutation.”

Uli said the technique could pave the way for the ability to store and supply human myoblasts - the precursors to skeletal muscle cells - as quality-controlled, frozen stocks. These stocks can then be supplied to biotechs and pharmaceutical companies for use in FSHD drug discovery.

“Put simply, this discovery provides a tool which will speed up drug development,” he said.