An important milestone in the development of a novel, stem-cell–based therapy for the regeneration of cartilage damage has been reached: At the University Hospital Dresden, the first patient has been successfully treated under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Jörg Lützner as part of the clinical trial “MesemCart.”
The Phase I/IIa study, initiated by BIONCaRT GmbH, investigates the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stromal cells derived from umbilical cord tissue for the regeneration of cartilage defects in the knee joint. The goal of this innovative therapeutic approach is to activate the body’s intrinsic regenerative capacity, reduce inflammation and pain, and ultimately restore the function and resilience of joint cartilage.
“With the treatment of the first patient, we are entering a new phase in our efforts to bring off-the-shelf, donor-derived stem cell therapies into clinical application,” says Dr. André Gerth, CEO of BIONCaRT GmbH. “We would like to thank Prof. Lützner and his dedicated team at the University Hospital Dresden for their excellent collaboration and their contribution to this significant progress.”
The treatment of the first study participant represents a major step toward creating a new therapeutic option for patients with cartilage damage in the knee.
The study is being conducted at several specialized centers across Germany, with a total enrollment of 55 patients.
Press contact:
Dr. Heike Opitz
Managerin Business Development
BIONCaRT GmbH
+49 176 72515224
heike.opitz@bioncart.com