SINGAPORE - CytoMed Therapeutics Limited (NASDAQ:GDTC), a biopharmaceutical company based in Singapore, has announced a research collaboration with Sengkang General Hospital to establish a proof-of-concept for a novel injectable cartilage regeneration therapy. This therapy, derived from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), is set to undergo a Phase I clinical trial in Singapore, with completion expected within two years.
UC-MSCs have the capacity to differentiate into various cell types and modulate immune responses, making them a promising candidate for regenerative medicine applications.
They are considered to have a higher proliferation capacity and greater differentiation potential than other stem cell sources. Their lower immunogenicity suggests a reduced risk of rejection in allogeneic transplantation, where cells are transferred from donor to recipient.
Dr Tan Wee Kiat, co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer of CytoMed, expressed optimism about the collaboration, which marks the first UC-MSC clinical trial in Singapore. The trial aims to address the growing incidence of osteoarthritis of the knee within the country's aging population, aligning with healthcare initiatives for regenerative therapy.
The interest in MSCs for tissue regeneration and treatment of inflammatory diseases has been increasing globally. This collaboration between CytoMed and Sengkang General Hospital comes at a time when such innovative treatments are critically needed.
CytoMed, which was spun off from the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (ASTAR) in 2018, focuses on creating cell-based immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Their work is particularly inspired by the clinical success of CAR-T therapies for hematological malignancies and the challenges in adapting this approach to solid tumors.
The information provided here is based on a press release statement. CytoMed's ongoing research and initiatives are part of its commitment to advancing healthcare solutions through novel technologies.
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