Orthocell publishes trial results for tendon stem cell technology

Perth-based regenerative medicine company Orthocell has published successful results of its clinical trial for the treatment of tendon injuries using its patented stem cell technology.

The technology, known as autologous tenocyte implantation (Ortho-ATI) technology, involves taking a biopsy of an individual’s healthy tendon, isolating and cultivating tendon stem cells from the biopsy, and then injecting these cells back to the injured tendon.

The process takes about 20 minutes and its development was led by Professor Ming Hao Zheng’s group at the Centre for Translational Orthopaedic Research at the University of Western Australia.

“There are currently limited treatment options for people suffering from tendon injury and related disorders, as there are no targeted drug therapies and surgery often delivers unsatisfactory results. This published study of Ortho-ATI strongly suggested that substitution of tendon stem cells enables regeneration of tendon,” said Professor Zheng.

The trial showed that Ortho-ATI was safe and effective, resulting in a reduction in pain. It repaired tendon in severe chronic resistant tendon injury, like tennis elbow.

Ortho-ATI has been approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration in Australia.

The technology is currently available to patients in Australasia who have failed conservative treatment.

The work was recently published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine.