Mesoblast's MPCs reduce back pain in phase II trial

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) has announced positive 12-month results from a phase II trial of its mesenchymal precursor cells in patients with moderate to severe back pain.

A single injection of the off-the-shelf cell therapy in degenerating intervertebral discs reduced lower back pain and improved function over the 12-month period.

MPC-treated patients required fewer opioids for pain relief, had greater disc stability and underwent less surgical and non-surgical treatment interventions when compared to controls.

The randomised trial involved 100 patients with moderate to severe low back pain persisting for at least six months and caused by early disc degeneration. Patients were treated across 13 sites in the US and Australia.

The results show that 69% of patients given a 6 million dose of MPCs and 62% given an 18 million dose experienced a more than 50% reduction in low back pain at 12 months. This compares to around 35% for the controls.

This is consistent with data from the six-month follow-up stage, as announced in April last year.

“We are very pleased that in a trial designed primarily to assess the safety of Mesoblast’s cells for intervertebral disc repair, we have seen strong indications of sustained efficacy across a broad number of clinical and radiographic parameters,” Mesoblast CEO Silviu Itescu said.

He said based on the results, the company plans to meet with regulatory authorities in major jurisdictions including the US to discuss product registration trials.

Mesoblast is also trialling MPCs in spinal fusion, under the brand name NeoFuse.

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) shares were trading 0.68% higher at $5.89 as of around 1 pm on Thursday.