NeoCellBank

Project "NeoCellBank" data sheet

The following table provides information about the project.

 Partnership

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 Project objective

Society is experiencing a rise in chronic inflammatory diseases, mostly due to ageing, and sedentary lifestyle. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading inflammatory diseases, affecting both humans (incidence 15%) and pets (20%), incurring disability and large economic burden. Current pharmacological treatments for OA involve palliative therapies (NSAIDs) that work on the symptoms, becoming lengthy and expensive with multiple side effects. In this context, regenerative medicine based on stem cells appears as a good alternative, as they reverse the pro-inflammatory status of the joint and promote endogenous tissue regeneration. However, current solutions for OA mainly rely on autologous adult stem cells, obtained through invasive procedures and which hold biological properties altered by donor age and underlying inflammation. Allogeneic adult cells could be used in any individual, but a limited amplification potential limits the number of recipients. In response, we aim to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine by introducing a unique cell therapy based on neonatal stem cells. These cells have many advantages over adult cells: source material is accessible & abundant, cells show stronger anti-inflammatory properties, and lower immunogenicity profile which allows for unrestricted allogeneic use. The main goal of our project is to finalise industrialization and bring to market our reliable cell-based solution for OA. In Phase 1 we will define the technical and commercial steps to overcome before reaching mature stage. Upon completion of this project, we foresee our product to disrupt the veterinary market of inflammatory diseases. Moreover, since the pathology mechanism for OA is shared between animals and humans, our product could work as an accelerator for human applications. Importantly, the effort will pay off for Vetbiobank, estimating to earn €26 million profits, hire 19 people and reach a Return of Investment of 4.2 Euros after 5 years in the market.