Yissum licenses Stem Cell Technologies To TheraCell

Yissum has licensed a novel package of stem cell related technologies to TheraCell. TheraCell would further develop and commercialize the technology for advanced regenerative medicine procedures, such as spinal fusion.

The licensed technology includes a biologically compatible, oxygenated gel that improves bone regeneration and fusion of bone grafts. The novel technology will be used in conjunction with TheraCell’s proprietary scaffold technology, for enhancing the efficiency of spinal fusion procedures.

In addition, the licensing agreement includes novel and efficient methods for purifying and manipulating stem cells derived from patients, said the company.

Yehuda Yarmut, deputy CEO of Yissum, said: The ability to ensure adequate oxygen levels for cells can help not only with bone healing and bone stem cells, but also holds great promise for other stem cells, as well as for the survival of engineered tissue and organ grafts.

Rich Grant, president and CEO of TheraCell, said: “With this technology we expect to be able to deliver products that are highly attractive to patients, health care providers and insurance payors, because they will significantly improve outcomes of these costly spine fusion procedures and reduce hospitalization periods, thus significantly lowering the cost of treatment.”