Tissue-Engineered Intervertebral Discs for the Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease

Background & Unmet Need

• Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a condition in which the intravertebral discs (IVDs) in the spine degrade over time
• This degradation leads to nerve compression and chronic back pain
• DDD is widespread, affecting >90% of adults 50 years or older
• Surgical intervention for severe cases involves removing the entire IVD followed by fusion of the adjacent vertebrae or placement of a mechanical disc prosthesis to preserve motion
• However, fusion and disc replacement are associated with increased risk of pseudarthrosis and adjacent segment disease
• Unmet Need: An intervertebral disc implant that preserves a patient’s spinal movement without the risk of developing complications or comorbidities

Technology Overview

• The Technology: Tissue-Engineered IVDs (TE-IVDs) combined with a bioresorbable stabilization system for improved treatment of DDD
• The bioresorbable support structure keeps the implant in place during the healing process but allows for segmental movement after the stabilization system dissolves
• PoC Data: In a canine model, the TE-IVD implants engrafted successfully and persisted in the spine for 16 weeks
• The TE-IVDs were stable and maintained disc height up to 70% of adjacent normal discs
• The TE-IVD implants did not generate a chronic immune response, supporting the use of allogeneic cells

Technology Applications

• Treatment of degenerative disc disease in patients with severe back pain that doesn’t respond to noninvasive approaches

Technology Advantages

• Replaces the entirety of the IVD utilizing viable tissues
• Restores disc height and spinal flexibility
• Inclusion of a bioresorbable support system reduces the risk of implant displacement