Mesoblast MPCs improve back pain in phase II trial

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) has presented positive 24-month results from a phase II trial of its mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) in lower back pain and initiated its phase III program for the indication.

The company detailed the trial results at the JP Morgan 33rd Annual Healthcare Conference in San Francisco.

Patients receiving a single injection of at least 6 million MPCs demonstrated substantial and sustained pain relief over the 24-month period. At both 12 and 24 months, nearly half of the patients achieved minimal or no residual pain, compared to just 13% of those treated with a saline placebo.

From the 6 million MPC cohort, 44% achieved the target composite endpoint of treatment success at 6-12 months, defined as a 50% reduction in pain, 15-point improvement in function and no further treatment complications.

A similar percentage (42%) of the 18 million MPC group also achieved this goal. For those patients achieving treatment success, 86% sustained this at the 24-month period.

Mesoblast has meanwhile commenced its phase III clinical program for MPCs in lower back pain. The objective will be to confirm the outcomes from the phase II trial, with the primary endpoint being treatment success.

The company is also developing its MPCs to treat chronic congestive heart failure - in partnership with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries - as well as a range of other indications including acute graft versus host disease, biologic refractory rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic nephropathy.

Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) shares were trading 0.249% higher at $4.02 as of around 1.30 pm on Thursday