ReNeuron reports positive data from peripheral arterial disease study

ReNeuron Group, a UK-based stem cell company, has reported positive preclinical efficacy data with its lead CTX stem cell line in a model of peripheral arterial disease, a chronic and debilitating disease that progressively restricts blood flow in the limbs, causing cramping, chronic pain and in extreme cases, loss of limb.

The research was conducted by Paolo Madeddu, chairman of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine and colleagues at the Bristol Heart Institute, Bristol, UK. The researchers tested ReNeuron’s CTX stem cell line, via intramuscular injection, in a recognized murine hind limb ischemia model.

According to ReNeuron, the cells were seen to generate significant recovery of blood flow in the ischemic limb and tissue perfusion was shown to improve through increased revascularization of the damaged tissue, as measured by increased capillary and arteriole density.

ReNeuron is continuing its research collaboration with Mr Madeddu and his colleagues with the aim of generating further preclinical data sufficient to translate these initial findings into a clinical program within the next two years.

John Sinden, chief scientific officer of ReNeuron, said: The results of this study further demonstrate the potency of our lead CTX stem cell line when applied in ischemic disease settings. We are excited by the apparent utility of this cell line in both the ischemic brain and muscle.

The CTX cell line is extremely well-characterized and has already been scaled up and extensively tested as part of our ReN001 program for stroke. This work will therefore give us a significant advantage as we look to move this cell line forward to the clinic as a non-patient-specific therapeutic candidate for peripheral arterial disease.