Liberty Biopharma system used in stroke research
2017-02-20 14:23 ET - News Release
Mr. Alan Tam reports
LIBERTY BIOPHARMA SYSTEM USED IN STROKE STUDY
Liberty Biopharma Inc. has provided the following update. Researchers have used the company's cellular therapy platform for the processing and isolation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) and ADMSC-derived exosomes in a live animal stroke model.
The study was conducted in a live rat model to investigate the safety of IV infusion following acute ischemic stroke. Secondary end points were the changes in brain infarct volume and neurological function. ADMSC and ADMSC-derived exosomes were delivered intravenously without serious adverse outcomes in all rats. Furthermore, those treated after acute ischemic stroke demonstrated markedly reduced brain infarct volume and greater-than-expected preservation of neurological function compared with controls.
"These results are encouraging. This study further supports the work being done in cell therapy research, specifically from mesenchymal adipose-derived cell sources, which demonstrates the potential for cellular therapies to positively influence the environment of damaged or physiologically stressed tissues. Although these results are from animal research, it is exciting to envision a day when physicians may have access to cell therapies which could mitigate the damaging effects of acute neurologic injuries," said Dr. Richard Cook, MD, chief medical officer of Liberty Biopharma.
About acute ischemic stroke research
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the leading cause of long-term disability and the second-leading cause of death worldwide. Currently, there is no universally accepted effective and safe management strategy for all patients with AIS. Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and endovascular intracranial treatment are two treatments for AIS with promising results in specific patient groups. However, strict enrolment criteria and contraindications restrict their use for many potential candidates. Furthermore, tPA appears to be associated with a relatively high incidence of intracranial bleeding complications and poor patency rate in large-vessel occlusion. Endovascular intracranial treatment is only suitable for patients with large-vessel occlusion. Both current intervention options require very specialized clinicians and facilities. Treatment is also very time sensitive. Accordingly, many AIS patients still lack a treatment that is both effective and safe. New approaches for clinicians treating acute ischemic stroke are of particular interest and therapeutic value for those who are not candidates for thrombolysis or endovascular intracranial treatment.
The research paper is published in Vol. 7, issue No. 46, of Oncotarget, and is titled, "Intravenous administration of xenogenic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) and ADMSC-derived exosomes markedly reduced brain infarct volume and preserved neurological function in rats after acute ischemic stroke."