Equine Stem cell technique to be trialled in human medicine
The therapeutic approach implants millions of the patient's own stem cells, growth factors, and an autologous scaffold directly into the injured tendon or ligament. More than 1500 horses have been treated to date and follow-up data suggests a 50% reduction in re-injury over a three year period, compared to conventionally treated horses.
Such levels of success have generated considerable interest from the human sector. It is anticipated that the initial pilot study, which is planned to start within 12 months, will focus on the treatment of Achilles tendinopathies. This will mark the first time that this type of stem cell treatment has ever been used for the repair of human tendon injuries. The pilot study is expected to be based at a single UK centre of orthopaedic excellence with the larger confirmatory study, planned for 2011, being a multi-centre European trial.
*Professor Nicola Maffulli said: "The move from clinical veterinary to human medicine is inspiring and unusual; we normally see the translation happening the other way around. I am very excited to be involved in the human studies and hope that the results will herald a new era in the treatment of musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries. At present the management of human tendinopathy is more an art than a science but this approach could potentially reverse that situation."
For further information and details of VetCell's programme of lectures and courses on stem cell therapy for vets in the UK and Europe visit http://www.vetcell.com/telephone + 44 (0)1223 493488 or email vets@vetcell.com
* Professor Nicola Maffulli is widely recognised as one of the world's most eminent consultant orthopaedic and sports injury surgeons. He is responsible for pioneering revolutionary new procedures and techniques in foot and ankle and knee surgery and indeed is responsible for fixing some of the UK's top sportsmen and women such as Premiership football players as well as track and field athletes and international rugby players. In addition to this, he has also been asked by Nike to lend his knowledge and expertise to help develop the world's first orthopaedic and medically correct training/running shoe.
Added on: 15/04/09.
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