Home » CTI to collaborate with DiscGenics on first-in-human trial of cell therapy for degenerative disc disease

CTI to collaborate with DiscGenics on first-in-human trial of cell therapy for degenerative disc disease

COVINGTON, Ky. (May 3, 2018) — CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services (CTI) will collaborate with DiscGenics on the execution of a first-in-human trial of IDCT for degenerative disc disease (DDD).

DiscGenics is a regenerative medicine company focused on developing cell therapies that alleviate pain and restore function in patients with degenerative diseases of the spine.

DDD is a chronic and progressive disease that is characterized by a breakdown of tissue within the intervertebral disc and contributes to chronic low back pain in millions of patients. IDCT is a non-invasive therapy comprised of allogeneic progenitor cells known as Discogenic Cells, which have been derived from donor intervertebral disc tissue, and a viscous delivery vehicle. Preclinical studies of IDCT have demonstrated its potential to normalize the tissue architecture and restore the height of the degenerated disc.

DiscGenics’ Phase I/II prospective, randomized, double-blinded, vehicle- and placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study, which CTI is managing with DiscGenics, is being conducted to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of IDCT in subjects with single-level, symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration. The 60-subject trial will take place in up to 10 centers across the United States.

“CTI’s experience in developing allogeneic cell therapy products, and their understanding of the potential regulatory and clinical challenges presented by these types of advanced therapies, makes them an excellent partner for DiscGenics as we commence our first-in-human clinical trial of IDCT for DDD,” said Flagg Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors for DiscGenics. “We are looking forward to working closely with the team at CTI to flawlessly execute this trial, which we hope will generate the necessary data to continue to advance our clinical program, and ultimately bring us one step closer to delivering on our vision of transforming the way millions of patients suffering from the debilitating effects of chronic back pain are treated.”
 
CTI, an expert in regenerative medicine and in the development of life-changing therapies in critically ill patients, has been a part of several dozen First-In-Human trials over the past few years.
 
“We’re excited to be partnering with DiscGenics on this innovative trial in the growing field of regenerative medicine,” said Lynn Fallon, President at CTI. “This program has the potential to positively impact many patients with degenerative disc disease and is an excellent opportunity for CTI to partner with an exciting company like DiscGenics. This project also expands our work in cell therapy, which currently represents approximately 40% of CTI’s active research programs.”