Facilitating promising stem cell therapies
The promise of stem cell therapies hinges on our ability to cost-effectively harvest these cells for beneficial uses. If a patient’s stem cells could be collected in a cost-effective manner, they could be used for a host of regenerative applications, including rebuilding damaged heart muscle and cartilage and healing wounds.
Reduce time and improve consistency
While stem cells can be extracted from human tissue, including bone marrow and fat (adipose) tissue, traditional separation methods are complex, time consuming, and costly. MPR’s client had licensed a stem cell technology for isolating adipose derived adult stem cells that had been developed and proven in a university laboratory. But to be commercially viable, the process had to be automated to reduce the time required and improve the consistency of the output. For protection against contamination, the process also had to be implemented in a completely closed system.
Develop an automated and streamlined process
MPR developed a unique automated cell separation technology that substantially streamlines the tissue manipulation process. Using a first-of-a-kind integrated digestion and centrifuge chamber invented by MPR, a single-use disposable system was designed to greatly simplify the process. The disposable system along with reagents and a sample of human adipose tissue are loaded in the processing device and a syringe of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in a cell suspension is prepared for therapeutic use.
Increased quality and quantity of stem cells
This breakthrough product increased the quality and quantity of stem cells that can be obtained in an automated, repeatable and highly consistent manner. Four new patents and other new MSC-related technologies resulted from this project. The development of this new system was taken from napkin sketch to operational device in 10 months.
