Microgel encapsulated iPSC-derived notochordal cells to treat intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain
Grant Award Details
Grant Type:
Grant Number:
DISC2-14049
Investigator(s):
Disease Focus:
Human Stem Cell Use:
Award Value:
$2,020,166
Status:
Active
Grant Application Details
Application Title:
Microgel encapsulated iPSC-derived notochordal cells to treat intervertebral disc degeneration and low back pain
Public Abstract:
Research Objective
We aim to discover an injectable, rejuvenating treatment for painful intervertebral disc degeneration using microtissue-encapsulated iPSC-derived notochordal cells (iNCs) using large animal model
Impact
Our treatment candidate may allow for a non-invasive stem cell therapy, targeting the underlying pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration, the leading cause of chronic back pain in adults.
Major Proposed Activities
We aim to discover an injectable, rejuvenating treatment for painful intervertebral disc degeneration using microtissue-encapsulated iPSC-derived notochordal cells (iNCs) using large animal model
Impact
Our treatment candidate may allow for a non-invasive stem cell therapy, targeting the underlying pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration, the leading cause of chronic back pain in adults.
Major Proposed Activities
- Optimization, characterization and deliverability testing of iNC-loaded microgels, microtissues or bulk hydrogel as therapeutic candidates for injectable treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
- To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of iNC-loaded microgel/microtissue and iNCs injected in bulk hydrogel in inhibiting disc degeneration in a pig model.
Statement of Benefit to California:
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration associated low back pain is a leading cause of disability. While it affects all adults, many people belong to underserved communities that more often carry government-sponsored health insurances. Despite decades of research, there are no robust therapies targeting the underlying causes of IVD degeneration. Spinal disc injections with the proposed treatment candidate may provide an IVD rejuvenating, inexhaustible off-the-shelf treatment accessible to all.
